Background/Aims
Within the eight hospitals of the Central Region Stroke Network, local teams initiate assessments of patients with acute stroke, supported by the Wellington Regional Hospital telestroke service. Educational support of such a network is important but delivering simulation-based training to a large staff group can be challenging. Tag-team simulation has been shown to enhance engagement of attendees even if not participating directly, supporting development of technical and non-technical skills. It draws principles from forum theatre/applied drama with a scenario director, cast (actors/participants) and audience of active observers to provide an immersive simulation experience for all attendees.
Methods
Regional teams were invited to attend a stroke simulation study day (3 scenarios delivered over 4 hours). We used a modified tag-team approach, with direct participants and activated observers holding cue cards to prompt observation and discussion. Feedback was by electronic survey.
Results
Forty-four people attended; medical, nursing, allied health, and medical imaging professional groups. Thirty (68%) attendees completed the questionnaire. 3 (10%) had previously attended stroke simulation training. All thought the simulations were run extremely well (77%) or somewhat well (23%). All found the simulations useful, recommending such training to a colleague. 29 (97%) would attend again. Several respondents commented that the activated observer cards and debriefing process was at least as helpful as the simulations themselves.
Conclusion
A modified tag-team simulation approach can be a useful tool to deliver training to a large multidisciplinary group involved in the care of acute stroke patients within a regional telestroke network setting.