The Facilitator's Role in London's Air Ambulance's simulation "moulage" training.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This research focused on the facilitator's role in the simulated patient training "moulages" used by London's Air Ambulance (LAA) for their team training. Facilitators are chosen based on their experience and expertise in the field. The aim of this research was to gain insight into the role of moulage facilitator. METHODS: An ethnographic approach was employed, using the notion of "progressive focusing." Overt observational fieldwork was performed, with the resulting field notes evaluated by content analysis. Semistructured interviews were then conducted with 8 facilitators selected by convenience sampling in order to gain an understanding of the role according to their perspective. RESULTS: The research revealed the role of the facilitator to be challenging and multifaceted. The moulage process appeared appropriate to its function, and the facilitation methods were largely in accordance with recommended practice outlined in educational literature. CONCLUSIONS: The London's Air Ambulance moulage facilitators have to prepare trainees for an intense and emotionally demanding job. Their methods are derived from experience, often with a subconscious application of sound educational practice. This research may help the team identify certain areas with scope for further refinement including feedback methods, fidelity, and reducing the burden of multitasking.