Towards the Development of a Scientifically-Based Clinical Simulation Template

Anyone who has developed or used simulation-based training (SBT) within a clinical context realizes the utility of simulation templates. Simulation templates are models for structuring simulation scenario content. They have two important purposes. First, when designed appropriately, simulation templates can facilitate development of SBT scenarios. When referencing a well-organized simulation template, instructional designers may effectively create scenarios more quickly than when working unsystematically and without guidance. Second, templates provide a standardized mold for creating scenario records, enabling replication of the scenario at separate points in time and by different users. A number of clinical simulation templates already exist. Although some are more easily available than others, a comparison of templates accessible online reveals that content and organization vary across clinical simulation templates. This raises the question of what information a functional template for developing clinical simulation scenarios should include and what format best represents this requisite information. The answer would have widespread implications for how templates are used in clinical simulation scenario development. Good clinical simulation templates are complete, easy to understand, capable of facilitating scenario development to meet instructional objectives, and document the scenario. At their core is a meaningful organizational strategy for presenting scenario information. Currently lacking in most available clinical simulation templates, however, is a clear connection to the science supporting SBT. This may be a critical disadvantage in the process of designing instructionally sound clinical simulation scenarios. Therefore, we advance a new simulation template, the Template of Events for Applied and Critical Healthcare Simulation.