Smith, C.M., Harlim, J. and Nestel, D., 2022. ‘Where can I learn to be an SP educator?’Feasibility of online resources to support professional development. International Journal of Healthcare Simulation, 1(null), pp.S15-S1

——–

alexander-grey-tn57JI3CewI-unsplashThe SPN team has published a short report on the outcome and challenges of Simulated Patient Network modules which was offered as free-to-access program until 2021. The report details the establishment of Simulated Patient Network learning materials in 2012 and its future direction together with the partnership of Healthysimulation.com.

The learning materials were developed to address the needs of high quality resource for SP educators to develop their practice. Though initially funded for development, the modules were not funded for long-term maintenance. This presented a challenge for SPN to operate in this format. Despite the challenges, the following outcomes were achieved:

– 1322 enrolments from 71 countries

– Evaluations of achievement of set learning objectives in each module was rated between 4.9 to 5.7

– The helpfulness of the exercises was rated 4.8 to 5.5

– Satisfaction with the module content was rated 4.9 to 5.4

– Satisfaction with the LMS was rated 4.8 to 5.4

To ensure that the materials can continue to be a valuable resource to the SP educator community, in 2021, SPN partnered with Healthysimulation.com to offer the content in a new platform. While previously the modules were offered as a set of 13 modules, the learning materials are now offered per topic as one course each. Four re-vamped courses are available to access via Healthysimulation.com. 2 more are in the development including a new course covering working with SPs via online.

Read the full paper here.

See SPN courses here.

——–

Image used: Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash