Introduction We describe an innovative hub and spoke approach to instructor training for high fidelity point of care neonatal simulation. Efficacy, regional funding and sustainability issues are considered.

Methods The Leicester Neonatal Simulation Programme started in 2007; a 2 day instructor course covering designing and running local, point of care, high fidelity, neonatal simulation programmes commenced in 2010. Successful instructor training in the Trent region led to other regions commissioning training. This enhanced development of local neonatal simulation programmes.¹ Funding was from innovation grants, charitable funds and Deaneries; approaches to regional coordination vary.

Results The Leicester team has trained 230 instructors from several UK neonatal networks with extremely positive feedback (overall course approval score 98%). Senior multi-disciplinary staff from >60 hospitals have been trained and run programmes for their local neonatal services. A review of 203 participants in Leicester and 255 in the East of England programme found similar outcomes with reported improved team working (93% vs. 92%), improved communication with colleagues in critical situations (92% vs. 96%) and improved recognition of a sick infant (87% vs. 80%). A wide range of human factors were consistently reported as team derived learning points. Both regions found reduced participant anxiety with repeated simulation sessions.

Conclusions Centralised high fidelity simulation instructor training to facilitate local point of care simulation has resulted in widespread dissemination of neonatal simulation training across the UK. This multidisciplinary approach and equity of access meets key recommendations of the UK DoH framework for technology enhanced learning.²

References

1. Sim+ Evulation report. February 2012 Available at http://www.laerdal.com/gb/uk/news/SimEvalReport_NeonatalNetwork022012.pdf last accessed 21/1/14

2. Department of Health 2011. A framework for technology enhanced learning. London. UK. Available online at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_130924 last accessed 21/1/14