translational simulation

What is translational sim & why bother with it?

Simulation is a growing field, and with growth comes change, but not all change is progress. Translational simulation reflects the field progressing in the right direction. A core challenge in describing simulation is that the focus is often on the device used, or the location, but less often about the focus of the intervention.

So what is the point of simulation, isn't it all about improving patient care and teaching learners? Well, yes, however translational simulation asks more of us. We assume too much from our interventions and should consider what could be done in terms of 'system probing', 'evaluation of microsystems' & 'implementation science' [REF 1].

There are many elements to translational simulation, reviewing what should be addressed (considering all of its contributing factors), accessing baseline data (from as many sources as reasonably possible) to work out what to compare against to know improvement has occurred and finally, what interventions should be tried - either by service, team or culture performance.

Translational science has a 3-stage approach in a bench-to-bedside format:

  1. Basic Science (the bench)

  2. The right treatment, for the right patient, in the right way, at the right time - once identified they can be incorporated into practice through guidelines, information leaflets, etc...

  3. Consideration of delivery, engagement and secondary prevention (i.e. culture and society)

More learning resources are available below:

Translational simulation: not ‘where?’ but ‘why?’ A functional view of in situ simulation

References:

  1. Translational simulation: not ‘where?’ but ‘why?’ A functional view of in situ simulation - https://advancesinsimulation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41077-017-0052-3

  2. Translational simulation in action: using simulation-based multidisciplinary teaching to introduce ward-level high-flow oxygen care in bronchiolitis - https://stel.bmj.com/content/6/1/52

  3. https://www.healthysimulation.com/22544/translational-simulation-in-healthcare/

  4. The TRANSFORM Patient Safety Project: A Microsystem Approach to Improving Outcomes on Inpatient Units - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25348342/

  5. https://researchaustralia.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/summary-Brazil-Translational-simulation-research-australia.pdf

  6. https://unityhealth.to/translational-simulation-connects-learnings-to-patient-outcomes/

  7. https://journals.lww.com/simulationinhealthcare/Abstract/2011/08001/Evaluating_the_Impact_of_Simulation_on.7.aspx

  8. Simulation-based clinical systems testing for healthcare spaces: from intake through implementation - https://advancesinsimulation.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41077-019-0108-7