Dear Network Members,
In this first newsletter of 2025 we look forward to what the year may hold.
One of our main operational objectives is to integrate human factors principles and methods into simulation-based learning at all levels of health and social care education, practice and policy. To this end we are delighted and excited that Paul Bowie (NES Programme Director - Safety and Improvement) will be formally joining our CSMEN operational group.
In collaboration with colleagues across Scotland we will be reviewing our approach to faculty development to ensure it remains relevant, equitable and value for money. This coincides with a four nations approach led by ASPiH (Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare) for the development of a professional framework for simulation-based educators. We will provide regular updates via this newsletter.
We are looking forward to working with you this year.
New Resources
The development of a manual for helping SBE faculty
The Faculty Advancement in Simulation Training (FAST) programme has been developed with the principle aim of providing a robust continuing professional development programme for faculty involved in simulation-based education (SBE). The FAST manual contains a series of workshop plans to help faculty guide others through the concepts of SBE and should be used in conjunction with faculty expertise and other resources.
A new scenario template
A reviewed and updated scenario template will be available in early 2025. This is a tool for planning simulation-based learning sessions and the development of new scenarios.
Simulation toolbox
Other resources to help you deliver simulation-based education can be found in the Simulation Toolbox on the CSMEN website.
Simulation resources in Scotland
We will continue to develop and refine our database of simulation resources to support simulation educators across Scotland. If you have any updates on equipment or courses, please let us know (CSMEN@nes.scot.nhs.uk).
Online resources
With your help we are continuing to review our online resources and the reviews of Suturing and Intramuscular Injections will be completed in the next few months and updated on Turas.
Medical Simulation Training Update
This year we are looking forward to developing and enhancing the medical simulation programmes and to continue the simulation programmes for the 2024/25 training year as well as providing information on the impact of these programmes.
Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons (NOTSS) will be integrated into the HST programme and the multi-specialty workshops, such as Endovascular Aneurysm repair (for Vascular and Interventional radiology trainees) should also continue.
“On a local level I feel we will all work better together in ARI at a trauma call having experienced these scenarios together” Trauma Surgical Skills Course December 2023
We successfully piloted a range of new and innovative courses for Anaesthetics, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine over the last year and will roll these out across the programmes to ensure all trainees across Scotland have access. We are also currently developing a new Cadaveric Head and Neck Trauma Mastery Skills course for Emergency Medicine trainees to provide trainees the opportunity to meet curriculum learning outcomes for head and neck trauma.
“The different scenarios, feedback from each scenario, having a real ambulance with paramedic here! Learning about inside of ambulance and what is available. The presenters/faculty staff were great.” Transfer Training (SHiFT) Course May 2024
We have more courses planned for the next few months, including the Paediatric Return to Work and Step Up to Registrar courses as well as the new joint Facilitating Obstetric and Neonatal Engagement Course. This course provides obstetric and paediatric trainees the opportunity to collaborate and learn
from each other through structured, combined communication skills and simulation, and small group discussions. The Psychiatric Emergency Simulation course for all CT1 core psychiatry trainees across Scotland continues to be popular.
The long-running CST and IMT simulation programmes have been running successfully since 2018 and 2019 respectively and where curricula are aligned these courses have been opened up to other trainees i.e. ACCS trainees join the IMT2 Skills Day and IMT3 Registrar Ready courses.
“Well run, interesting, realistic cases. Good to have discussion and feedback.” IMT3 Registrar Ready May 2024
We will continue to evaluate these courses on their quality and impact while providing value for money.
Mobile Skills Unit Update
In January, the CSMEN team had a busy two weeks preparing the Mobile Skills Unit (MSU) and inspecting all the equipment ready for the exciting year ahead. The first visit of the year was to Glenrothes Army Reserve Centre for training with the army reservists in life support, acutely unwell and deteriorating patient and management of trauma.
In March, the MSU will spend two weeks in Stranraer and Dumfries with training for staff across multiple agencies including NHS 24, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, the Health and Social Care Partnership and SAS.
After the success of the training at Rubislaw Care Home in 2024 there are more care home visits planned in 2025 in Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Aberdeenshire, with a range of courses planned including venepuncture, wound care and training in choking and delirium.
The MSU is continuing to support Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) returning to Helimed 79 in the Spring. The MSU will also visit the Isle of Mull for training in nursing skills and palliative care.
This summer the MSU will travel to Shetland and we are excited at the opportunity of touring the islands with initial plans being put in place for training on Unst, Yell, Whalsay, Brae as well as in Lerwick.
In September the MSU embarks on its’ annual tour of the Western Isles with visits to Barra, Benbecula and Stornoway. The packed training programme includes plans for a multi-agency major incident exercise, psychiatry sim, various clinical skills training and sessions for members of the public.
In October the MSU will visit Islay for two weeks of clinical skills training.
Throughout the year there are four MSU Faculty Development courses run by the Scottish Centre for Simulation and Clinical Human Factors at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert. The first faculty development course of 2025 takes place in February. See all upcoming course dates here.
Thinking of booking the Mobile Skills Unit for your region? Check out the MSU availability on this calendar.
BASICS Scotland Update
Please refer to the BASICS Scotland website for all course dates.
SCSCHF Update
Please refer to the SCSCHF website for all course dates.
DIHS Update
Please refer to DIHS website for all course dates.
Conferences
You can find a link to upcoming conferences relevant to clinical skills and simulation here.
Network
Please share this newsletter with colleagues as appropriate. You can sign up to join the CSMEN network and receive monthly newsletters here.