# 5 How does digital simulation reduce risk to patient care?

Digital simulation reduces risk to patient care in several impactful ways – consider the following points.

1. Identification of latent safety threats: simulations can uncover hidden risks within healthcare systems, such as design flaws or procedural inefficiencies before they cause harm. By conducting simulations in real clinical environments (in situ simulation), healthcare teams can identify and address these latent safety threats.
2. Enhanced training and skill development: healthcare professionals can practice complex procedures and emergency responses in a controlled, risk-free environment. This repeated practice helps build proficiency and confidence, reducing the likelihood of errors during actual patient care.
3. Improved teamwork, leadership skills and communication skills: simulations often involve interdisciplinary teams, promoting better communication and collaboration. This teamwork is crucial in high-stress situations, ensuring that all team members are aware of their roles and can work together effectively.
4. Human factors consideration: simulations account for human factors, such as stress and fatigue, which can impact performance. By training in realistic scenarios, healthcare professionals can develop strategies to manage these factors and maintain high standards of care.
5. Standardised training: digital simulations provide a consistent training experience for all learners, ensuring that everyone meets the same standards of practice. This standardisation helps reduce variability in care and improves overall patient safety.

Source: 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Simulation to Mitigate Risk. While it must be acknowledged that they have an ‘interest’ in promoting simulation, many of the five points presented above also appeared in other healthcare practice publications, such as Knight et al, 2018 and Ordu et al, 2019.

By integrating digital simulation into healthcare training and practice, the risk to patient care can be significantly minimised, leading to safer and more effective healthcare delivery.

## Activity 2

20 minutes

#### Part 1: Reflection

Make your own notes in response to the following questions.

What value could digital simulation bring to you and your area of work?

- Consider the possible opportunities and limitations of using digital simulation within your own practice setting.
- If possible, discuss this with a colleague and make some notes on your conclusions.

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#### Part 2: Quiz

Question 1: How does digital simulation help identify ‘latent safety threats’?

a) By strictly limiting training to theoretical knowledge.
b) By eliminating the need for any physical training equipment.
c) By allowing for simulations in real clinical environments (in situ), uncovering hidden risks before harm occurs.
d) By focusing only on individual performance, not system flaws.

Question 2: Digital simulation enhances patient safety by improving skill development primarily through:

a) Requiring only one-time exposure to new procedures.
b) Providing a risk-free environment for repeated practice of complex procedures and emergency responses.
c) Automatically correcting all errors without learner intervention.
d) Focusing solely on theoretical knowledge that does not require practical application.

Question 3: Which aspect of teamwork and communication is highlighted as crucial for patient safety in digital simulations?

a) Minimising interaction between interdisciplinary teams.
b) Promoting better communication and collaboration within interdisciplinary teams during high-stress situations.
c) Encouraging individual decision-making without team input.
d) Limiting awareness of roles among team members.

OpenLearn - An introduction to digital simulation in healthcare
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