Standard
Criteria
Mission and governance
1. There exists a clear and publicly stated mission that specifically addresses the intent and functions of the simulation program
Organization and management
1. There is an organizing framework that provides adequate resources to support the mission of the program
2. There is a strategic plan designed to accomplish the mission of the program
3. There are written policies and procedures to assure the program provides high-quality services and meets its obligations and commitments
Facilities, application, and technology
1. There is an appropriate variety and level of technology and applications to support/achieve the activities of the program
2. The environment is conducive to accomplish its mission and activities
Evaluation and improvement
1. The program has a method to evaluate its overall program and services areas, as well as the individual educational, assessment, and/or research activities in a manner that provides feedback for continued improvement
Integrity
1. All activities, communications, and relationships demonstrate a commitment to the highest ethical standards
Expanding the field
1. The program demonstrates commitment to advocate for patients, simulation education, and contributes to the field of simulation.
Table 48.2
Brief summary of SSH simulation accreditation program characteristics [5]
Simulation areas |
Personnel criteria |
Curricular requirements |
Hardware/infrastructure |
---|---|---|---|
Assessment |
Instructors and staff are qualified by virtue of education and experience
Instructors and staff are routinely evaluated to ensure competence |
Processes are in place to assure that assessment methods and tools are appropriate, reliable, and valid |
Facilities and technologies are appropriate for the individuals being assessed and the level of assessment
IRB and data security needs are met and documented |
Adequate technical support for data analysis is present |
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Human factors, psychometric, and statistical support available when indicated |
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Research |
Instructors demonstrate a capability to perform research |
There is evidence of publication and/or presentation of research findings in peer-reviewed forums |
Program has an established record of research
The mission statement includes a specific commitment to research
Evidence of successful efforts to obtain research support exists
Program uses a scholarly approach to training assessment
Documentation of IRB adherence and data security protocol |
There is a designated director of research with roles delineated in the organizational structure and adequate support time |
There is documentation of mentoring simulation researchers |
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There are instructors with specific research training and internal/external documentation of collaboration |
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Education |
Program oversight is by an expert in simulation education
Program facilitates professional development for instructors
Instructors engage in certified ongoing training to improve skills
Instructors are familiar with capabilities and limitations of simulation modalities |
Offers comprehensive simulation-based learning
Educational materials are evidence based, reliable, and valid
Simulation modalities are appropriate for learning objectives
Curriculum design process involves currently understood simulation education theory
Program has the ability to offer CME |
Educational activities are linked to the strategic plan
Records are kept on all instructors and instructor’s professional development
Feedback incorporated into programming
Program continually updates and improves its courses
Record keeping supports evaluation, validation, and research of curriculum
Records of learner, instructor, and coordinator activities are maintained |
Systems integration and patient safetya |
Simulation personnel are actively involved in performance improvement committees and activities |
Process exists to identify and address opportunities for improvement within the organization that utilize principles of process engineering |
Systems integration and patient safety activities are linked to the strategic plan
Mission statement includes the desire to enhance individual, team, and organizational performance for improved patient outcomes |
Program activities are influenced by risk management activities of the organization |
Table 48.3
Specialty-sponsored simulation program: a summary of characteristics
Sponsoring organization |
Scope and model |
Personnel criteria |
Learner criteria |
Curricular requirements |
Hardware/infrastructure |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ACS education institutesa [6] |
Broadb |
Institute director appointed for 3 years at 25% time protected |
Must include surgeons plus 3 specialties/learner groups, for example: |
Incorporates procedural and cognitive skills
Curriculum development involves:
Needs assessment
Development of objectives
Selection of instructional methods
Creation of instructional materials
Effective delivery
Learner assessment
Program assessment
Assessment of effectiveness
Educational programs are accredited by the LCME, ACGME, ACCME, or equivalent
Faculty are appropriately trained |
1,200 sq. ft contiguous with face to the public
No less than 4,000 sq. ft. additional space for storage, lounge, etc.
Can accommodate a minimum of 20 trainees at a time
Has teleconferencing available
Internet capable
Has adequate space for administration
Has adequate space for skills trainers
Annual budget can support the activities of the institute
Provides a mission statement
Provides an organizational chart
Establishes a steering committee or advisory board |
Multilevel
Level 1a
Comprehensive
Level 2
Basic |
Surgical director is FACS and has 10% time protected
Administrator with 50% time for center
Coordinator with 50% time |
CME
GME
UME
Allied health
Nursing
Other
Must demonstrate the effectiveness of curriculum
Must provide evidence of:
Long-term follow-up of learners
Maintenance of skills
Research
Interdisciplinary training
Curriculum validation |
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ASA simulation endorsement [9] |
Specialty-specific |
Must have an established mechanism for instructor training, evaluation, credentialing
Program director should hold a doctoral degree and academic appointment at an accredited institution
Course director should:
Be credentialed as an instructor
ASA member
Hold appointment in the Department of Anesthesiology |
UME, GME (optional) |
Quality assurance program must be in place
Methodologically sound program for curriculum development and assessment must be evident
Sample curriculum and scenario required |
Provides a mission statement
Organization should maximize the likelihood that course quality will be maintained
Document governance and financial model
Program leadership and financial stability required
Facilities should be sufficient for the coursework offered, including parking, and meals
Written policies and procedures should exist
Demonstrate necessary educational technology to conduct courses |
Single level |
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ACOG simulation consortium |
Specialty-specific |
Not currently defined |
GME |
Simulation-based surgical skills education with patient safety focus
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