Low-cost and ready-to-go remote-facilitated simulation-based learning.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Remote-facilitated simulation-based learning was developed for team training with low-cost, preexisting, and easy-access resources to disseminate training with limited number of the faculty. This study was performed to examine the technical feasibility and to describe its characteristics compared with an on-site simulation system. METHOD: We performed 2 pilot remote-facilitated sessions, followed by 3 additional sessions where 16 participants and 2 facilitators assessed the system using posttraining surveys containing items using 5-point Likert scale. All sessions consisted of briefing, simulation scenarios, and debriefing. RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of the participants rated the remote system at least as effective as the on-site system. All the participants rated the sound quality of the system at least as good as the on-site one and indicated that they could understand what the facilitator said at least as well as the on-site one. Fourteen of 16 participants would like to receive simulation training through remote facilitation. Facilitators reported that the operability of the remote system was the same as the on-site simulation system. CONCLUSIONS: Remote-facilitated simulation-based learning is technically feasible with low-cost, preexisting, and easy-access resources. Learners rated this system as equally effective as the on-site system and facilitators indicated that the operability was adequate.