Simulation Learning

Simulation facilitation refers to the structure and processes used to guide participants to meet specified learning objectives during a simulation-based experience SBE). Psychological safety is an essential component of simulation facilitation.

The person responsible for simulation facilitation is called the facilitator. Sometimes the facilitator may be referred to as an instructor, educator, or simulationist (Persico et al., 2021).

The facilitator is responsible for all components of the SBE, from needs assessments and simulation design to debriefing and evaluation, and all associated tasks. Clinical experience and expertise do not guarantee facilitator effectiveness. The facilitator must

• use current research and theories to guide all stages in this process and incorporate the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice™ in all stages.
• remain flexible in their approach and modify methods based on the learning objectives, the specific participants, and the environment.

There is often more than one facilitator involved in an SBE. Roles and responsibilities of each facilitator should be collaboratively determined before the SBE and revisited during and after the experience. 

The Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice™ further describe the facilitator’s role in SBE.

THE HSSOBP™ criteria for meeting the Facilitation standard include:

1. Effective facilitation requires a facilitator who has specific skills and knowledge in simulation pedagogy. 
2. The facilitative approach is appropriate to the level of learning, experience, and competency of the participants. 
3. Facilitation methods before the simulation-based experience include preparatory activities and prebriefing to prepare participants for the simulation-based experience. 
4. Facilitation methods during a simulation-based experience involve the delivery of cues (predetermined and/or unplanned) aimed to assist participants in achieving expected outcomes. 
5. Facilitation after and beyond the simulation-based experience aims to support participants in achieving expected outcomes. 

(Persico et al., 2021)  

© 2021 INACSL. Used with permission. 

The simulation facilitator oversees the learner’s experience and guides them towards the desired learning outcomes of each simulation (Persico et al., 2021). One strategy for fostering creativity and ensuring scenarios support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and expected outcomes is organizing collaborative sessions where team members work together to create and conduct EDI-focused simulations (Picketts et al., 2021). 

The facilitator also incorporates best practices related to EDI principles into all phases of simulation, including during:

• scenario design
• prebriefing
• the simulated activity
• debriefing

Facilitators must ensure a psychologically safe learning environment during SBE. They should address EDI issues as they arise by appropriately and effectively facilitating EDI discussions. Using a faculty-development framework in EDI (such as SIM-EDI) can help to empower simulation facilitators in EDI (Mutch et al., 2024). The Professional Development page of this subject guide highlights other ways to improve your practice in this area.