Enhancing simulation-based education at Edinburgh Napier University.

Breen, Cathal; Machin, Alison

Abstract

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the delivery of nursing training. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) emergency standards offered up to 300 hours of simulated learning out of the overall 2300 practical learning hours where clinical practice was not possible. This presented significant challenges delivering simulation-based education (SBE) both in terms of resourcing and capacity to replicate clinical practice and improving patient safety for university tutors within the simulation and clinical skills centre at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).

Methods
The UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) provides the means to recognise and benchmark teaching and learning support roles within higher education. It is increasingly used to strengthen pedagogic practice across the globe. At ENU a bespoke experiential “Route to Fellowship Scheme” accredited by Advance HE is available to all staff who teach or support learning. Applicants required a Record of Professional Activity (RPA), two advocate statements and a context statement dialogue audio recording of 30 minutes. All applications were appraised by an independent panel of assessors who were accredited at senior fellowship by Advance HE.

Results/Discussion
Accreditation of formal recognition for SBE teaching and supporting learning activities through the UKPSF enabled university tutors within the simulation and clinical skills centre at ENU to benchmark their practice against sector expectations and professional standards. Contributing to a dialogue audio recording of 30 minutes offered applicants an opportunity to discuss, develop and reflect on their practice.

Conclusion
A national strategy is being developed by Health Education England to ensure equity of access to SBE that provides value for money and delivers patient-centred and high-quality educational outcomes. Growing the evidence base for the effectiveness of SBE could be successfully demonstrated through UKPSF accreditation of nursing tutor staff.

Citation

Breen, C., & Machin, A. (2023, April). Enhancing simulation-based education at Edinburgh Napier University

• Presentation Conference Type: Speech
• Conference Location: Dublin
• Start Date: Apr 21, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 31, 2023
• Publisher URL: https://www.iassim.com/symposium