Authors: Elizabeth Chawla, MD, and Sarah T. Deutsch, MD
In a previous Medical Educator Minute, we discussed the benefits of using simulation in medical education to allow trainees to practice important clinical and procedural skills in a low-stakes environment. One innovative use of simulation referred to as “just-in-time simulation” combines in situ simulation with just-in-time training.
In Situ Simulation involves delivering simulation-based educational exercises in providers’ actual work environments, such as an ICU, the OR, or an outpatient clinic, rather than in a simulation center. This not only provides an opportunity to practice a skill in the context of the provider’s actual environmental supports and stressors, but also enables interprofessional training. Just-in-time (JIT) training refreshes knowledge and skills for infrequently performed or high-risk activities as needed, such as walking through a procedure or reviewing the neonatal resuscitation algorithm just before the clinical encounter. JIT training has been proven to promote provider confidence in performing a specific task or specific knowledge and decrease errors. Combining these two into Just-in-time Simulation enables trainees to practice specific skill sets in the actual workplace or clinical context just before providing clinical care. One example is having an intern practice on an infant LP trainer in the ER immediately before performing an LP on a neonate in the next room. This type of simulation not only improves trainees’ knowledge and confidence but can also identify areas for correction or improvement, which, when followed by coaching by a supervisor and practice by the trainee, can lead to safer care for our patients.
The Medstar SiTEL simulation education team offers our training programs the opportunity to work with a variety of simulation devices, equipment, and dummies of all ages, which can be brought into your clinical space for just-in-time training. Please contact the SiTEL team to learn more.
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