Moving the Needle: Simulation's Impact on Patient Outcomes

Tiffany Cox; Neal Seymour; Dimitrios Stefanidis

doi:10.1016/j.suc.2015.03.005

Moving the Needle: Simulation's Impact on Patient Outcomes

Surg Clin North Am. 2015 Aug;95(4):827-38. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2015.03.005. Epub 2015 Apr 22.

Authors

Tiffany Cox¹, Neal Seymour², Dimitrios Stefanidis³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, 1025 Morehead Medical Drive, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA.
² Department of Surgery, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.
³ Department of Surgery, Carolinas Simulation Center, Carolinas Medical Center, Carolinas Healthcare System, 1025 Morehead Medical Drive, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA. Electronic address: dimitrios.stefanidis@carolinashealthcare.org.

PMID: 26210974
DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2015.03.005

Abstract

This review investigates the available literature that addresses the impact simulator training has on patient outcomes. The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search of studies reporting outcomes of simulation training and categorized studies based on the Kirkpatrick model of training evaluation. Kirkpatrick level 4 studies reporting patient outcomes were identified and included in this review. Existing evidence is promising, demonstrating patient benefits as a result of simulation training for central line placement, obstetric emergencies, cataract surgery, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, and team training.

Keywords: Kirkpatrick level; Operating room; Patient outcomes; Simulation; Surgery; Transfer of skills; Virtual reality.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Competence*
Computer Simulation*
Computer-Assisted Instruction*
Curriculum
Education, Medical, Continuing*
Education, Medical, Graduate*
Employee Performance Appraisal*
Evidence-Based Medicine
Feedback
General Surgery / education*
Humans
Manikins*
Task Performance and Analysis
Treatment Outcome*