Assess, Align, Advance: A Needs-Based Approach to Simulationists’ Growth
This workshop will guide simulation professionals through the essential foundations of ethical, safe, and high-quality simulation practice. Participants will explore the SSH Healthcare Simulationist Code of Ethics, the Standards of Best Practice, and the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary to develop a shared language and understanding of professional expectations. The session will also cover the purpose and impact of a clear mission and vision and provide practical strategies to ensure physical and psychological safety for learners, staff, and observers alike. Through discussion and case examples, attendees will leave equipped to strengthen program integrity, foster trust, and create simulation environments that are both effective and safe for all stakeholders.
This workshop focuses on the evolving role of the healthcare simulation professional in maintaining operational excellence and shaping the future of the field. Participants will explore strategies for staying current with best practices, principles, and policies related to simulation operations, and examine how operational expertise supports high-quality simulation design—from equipment selection and learner orientation to data management and quality improvement. The session will also highlight ways simulation professionals can advance the field beyond their own programs through collaboration, scholarship, and service, while identifying leadership opportunities that exist within everyday operational roles. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to strengthen their impact locally and contribute meaningfully to the broader simulation community.
This workshop is designed for simulation professionals who want to deepen their technical expertise while strengthening the educational impact of their work. Participants will explore the audiovisual hardware and software systems that enhance simulation experiences, along with the IT and networking infrastructure—including cybersecurity considerations and manikin connectivity—that support reliable, high-quality simulation delivery. The session will also cover practical approaches to troubleshooting, maintenance, and corrective action for simulation technology, as well as the effective use of medical equipment, environmental cues, and moulage to support realism and learner immersion. In addition, attendees will examine systematic strategies for purchasing simulation equipment, initiating or contributing to quality improvement projects, and applying instructional design principles and simulation theory to everyday practice—bridging the gap between technical operations and educational excellence.
This workshop is designed for simulationists seeking to strengthen their skills in designing, facilitating, and evaluating high-quality simulation experiences. Participants will explore how to use best practices and needs assessment to guide the development of simulation activities, including writing measurable, learner-level objectives and selecting appropriate simulation modalities. The session will cover scenario design, fidelity considerations, and effective facilitation, including prebriefing strategies and evidence-based debriefing frameworks tailored to learner experience and objectives. Educators will also learn to differentiate between formative, summative, and high-stakes assessments and apply principles of reliability and validity when selecting evaluation tools. By bridging simulation theory, educational design, and practical application, participants will gain the confidence and competence to create meaningful, outcomes-focused simulation learning experiences.
This workshop explores the wide range of simulation modalities available to healthcare simulationists, highlighting strategies to select and integrate the right approach for specific learning objectives. Participants will examine manikin-based simulations, task trainers, game-based VR/AR systems, virtual simulation, standardized and simulated patients, in-situ simulations, screen-based simulations, and hybrid approaches. The session will also emphasize the value of interdisciplinary and interprofessional learning, providing guidance on how to design simulation experiences that foster collaboration, communication, and teamwork across healthcare roles. Through discussion and examples, attendees will gain practical insights on matching simulation modalities to educational goals, learner needs, and program outcomes.
Price:
$225.00