The pros and cons of a centralised simulation faculty service

Carvalho, C.Y.M., Ross, A.J. , McQuade, D. and Jaye, P. (2013) The pros and cons of a centralised simulation faculty service. In: 19th Annual Meeting of the Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine, Paris, France, 12-15 Jun 2013,

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Abstract

Introduction: This abstract is a proposal for a Pro/Con Debate of a Centralized Simulation Service. Medical services across the UK have been centralized to improve clinical care. As Simulation becomes an integral part of medical training and clinical governance, should Simulation services also be centralized? Improvements in both surgical training and clinical effectiveness have been demonstrated through the centralization of services. This has been attributed to increased exposure to cases in these centres and a good infrastructure for delivery of care. Experienced staff in a centre appropriately set up for the delivery of clinical care has resulted in vast improvements in the service.<p></p> Objectives: To explore and discuss the benefits and shortfalls of a Centralized Simulation Service. Questions for debate are drawn from a telephone survey of 18 London-based Simulation Centres.<p></p> Material/Patients and Methods or Expected Audience: Expected Audience: Simulation Centre Directors, Simulation Fellows and Specialists, Service Provision Managers, academics, Clinical Staff. <p></p> Results / Requirements/Specific needs: A telephone survey of Simulation Centres in London revealed that smaller centres had sufficient kit but had problems recruiting Faculty. The majority of Faculty were Simulation “enthusiasts” with clinical duties. These smaller centres reported that Faculty had to balance clinical work with teaching commitments and clinical work took priority. Many smaller centres identified a recent increase in demands on clinical service provision and less professional leave granted to Clinical Staff wishing to be Faculty. The converse was true of the larger centres who identified fewer issues with recruiting Faculty. Some of these larger centres had a clear faculty training pathway and ran courses almost daily.<p></p> Conclusion / Description of the session: Pros: The exponential rise in popularity of Medical Simulation has been accompanied by technological advances to improve fidelity. The opportunities are endless however a good teaching session relies heavily on the experience of the faculty and the debrief. Expert faculty may bring more advanced pedagogic strategies and improve the Simulation experience. An improved staffing level for courses is another potential benefit. As technology advances existing equipment is left looking old and out-of-date. This may result in Simulation Centres becoming derelict spaces with expensive equipment and inadequate staffing. A Centralized approach may be more cost-effective resulting in a smaller number of high quality specialist centres.<p></p> Cons: Disadvantages may include poorer access to simulation sessions. The courses delivered may not cater to the needs of the candidate as faculty may not understand local and cultural problems within the institute in which he works. A question arises of who would fund the service. Would each course obtain funding separately or would each specialty division obtain their own funding for training? Other options would include charity funding or each centre could obtain their own funding. However, this source of funding is uncertain and may result in an inconsistent service.<p></p> Conclusion: Medical Simulation is integral to the training of clinical staff but the service is currently unequal across London. Centralization of services may improve the quality of the service but may also reduce access to these valuable training sessions.<p></p>

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ross, Dr Alastair
Authors: Carvalho, C.Y.M., Ross, A.J., McQuade, D., and Jaye, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School

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