Exploring barriers and enablers to simulation-based training in emergency departments: an international qualitative study (BEST-ED Study).

INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based training (SBT) has gained significant traction within emergency medicine. The growing body of evidence describes the benefits that SBT can bring. However, identifying barriers and enablers when establishing successful SBT programmes in busy emergency departments (EDs), and ensuring longevity of such programmes, can be difficult. OBJECTIVE: We aim to identify barriers and enablers to SBT in busy EDs. METHODS: We explored and analysed the thoughts, experience and opinions of professionals involved in SBT and organisational support. 32 participants across 15 international sites were invited to a semistructured interview process. We included participants from a variety of backgrounds, from clinical staff to management staff. Transcribed interview data was classified and coded based on capability, opportunity and motivation behaviour (COM-B) domains and analysed based on theoretical domains framework. Frequency of the most mentioned thematic domain among participants is reported. RESULTS: The interview data revealed several common themes, including the following: knowledge and skills (90%), support and leadership (96%), mental barriers (87.5%), local culture (96.6%), dedicated space (65.2%), time constraints (46.8%), social influence (87.5%), education (90.6%), professional development (68.75%), exams (59.3%) and personal goals (93.75%). Management staff was observed to prioritise resource, staffing and flow, while the clinical cohort tended to focus on specialty and personal development when it came to simulation training in the ED. CONCLUSION: Potential barriers and enablers to SBT and in situ simulation for EDs were identified through interviews conducted in this study. The central themes in terms of barriers and enablers were local culture, leadership, individual needs, resources and optimisation. A tailored approach is vital for establishing a successful SBT and in situ simulation programme.

Sarcoidosis Presenting with Cicatrizing Conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To report two patients with sarcoidosis initially presenting with cicatrizing conjunctivitis. CASE REPORTS: Both patients with chronic conjunctivitis were referred for further management. The first patient had conjunctival granulomas, subepithelial fibrosis, and forniceal foreshortening. The second patient had extensive upper and lower conjunctival scarring with forniceal foreshortening and symblepharon formation of both eyes. Conjunctival biopsy specimens revealed noncaseating granulomas. Immunofluorescein studies were negative for immunoreactant deposition in the basement membrane. Because of further diagnostic evaluations, sarcoidosis was determined to be the final cause of the cicatrizing conjunctivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcoidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of cicatrizing conjunctivitis. Recognition of the characteristic noncaseating granulomas in the conjunctival biopsy and initiation of the appropriate evaluations are essential in establishing the diagnosis and determining the extent of systemic involvement.