Post COVID-19 trends in simulation use within diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education

PURPOSE Simulation is used within medical radiation science training. Recent global events and simulation resource uptake has led to significant changes. The aim of this study was to capture post COVID-19 trends and activity of simulation-based education (SBE) in diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy. METHODS An online survey was designed to investigate the role of simulation within diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education. Survey design was based on literature and experience within the research team. Questions were based around access and use of simulation, future trends and the effects of COVID-19. Participants were diagnostic radiography and/or radiation therapy educators. Data captured in this study was undertaken in March 2022 and compared with previous data from Bridge and colleagues (2021). RESULTS Sixty-seven responses were received across five continents (two from North/South America), Europe was the most widely represented (n=58, 87%). Fifty-three (79%) of participants reported that they use simulation as part of their teaching and learning. Twenty-seven (51%) respondents reported that they had increased their use of simulation because of COVID-19. Sixteen (30%) respondents stated that they were now able to enrol more students because of the pandemic. Fixed models and immersive environments were the two most common simulation activities. Participants reported, to different degrees, that simulation was used across all parts of the curriculum. CONCLUSIONS Simulation is deeply embedded into diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education. Evidence suggests that the growth of simulation may be slowing. Opportunities exist for the development of guidance, training and best practice resources around simulation. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Simulation is a key pedagogical approach for diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy education. Key stakeholders now need to work collaboratively to define standards and best practices.

First year student radiographers' perceptions of a one-week simulation-based education package designed to increase clinical placement capacity.

INTRODUCTION: The radiography workforce is short-staffed and under increasing pressure to meet service pressures. Combined with the impact of Covid-19, where student face-to-face clinical time was abruptly halted for safety, there is cause to change the pedagogical approach to teaching diagnostic radiography to students, increasing capacity and ensuring the continuance of qualifying radiographers to support the profession. This paper shares the perceptions of first year student radiographers on a one-week simulation-based education package designed to replace one week of clinical placement experience. METHODS: Two cohorts of first-year radiography students engaged in a one-week simulation-based education package. Simulations increased in complexity throughout the week and included conventional imaging techniques, mobile and theatre radiography, and cross-sectional imaging. Thirty-six students consented to the thematic analysis of their reflective blogs. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the data: feeling anxious, understanding and skill development, building confidence, communication, and patient-centred care. CONCLUSION: The simulation package had a positive impact on students learning, no matter the stage at which it was incorporated into their clinical placement block. Students engaged well with the activities and saw value in the experience. The findings indicate that the simulation-based education package is a suitable replacement for one week of clinical placement, supporting skills development in students and providing increased placement capacity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A successful, engaging simulation-based education package is presented, which first year student radiographers perceived as a suitable replacement for one-week of clinical placement. Further research into the acceptability of use of simulation-based education packages in second- and third-year student radiographers would be a useful next step.

International audit of simulation use in pre-registration medical radiation science training.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based education (SBE) can replicate the challenging aspects of real-world clinical environments, while providing a safe and less intimidating setting. Literature supports its use within medical radiation science (MRS) training for safe practice of psychomotor skills, development of problem solving, team working, interpersonal and decision-making skills and embedding awareness of patient safety. This project aimed to quantify usage of SBE resources and activities internationally and to evaluate how this changed during COVID-19 restrictions. METHODS: An anonymous online survey tool gathered data relating to programme demographics, simulation resources, simulation activities and future plans. A link to the survey was distributed to programme leads via social media, professional bodies and national networks. RESULTS: A total of 72 responses were received from a range of countries and representing a range of programme structures. Most respondents reported up to 100 h of SBE per student per year with low fidelity resources and image viewing software featuring most prominently. There was low reported engagement of service users within simulation activities. Respondents also indicated that COVID-19 had been a trigger for rapid uptake of simulation resources. CONCLUSION: SBE forms an important aspect of MRS training internationally with low-fidelity resources being widely deployed. Where available, high fidelity virtual reality and specialised profession-specific resources were used heavily. There was a low level of reported engagement with service users or expert patients in simulation activities. Future research will identify whether the rapid uptake of SBE during COVID-19 continues and clarify the role of service users in SBE provision. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Increased collaboration between MRS education providers may help to improve parity of SBE provision and identify additional opportunities to engage service users within SBE.