P71 Public and healthcare professional observer perceptions of high fidelity in situ simulation training in acute and critical care settings

Background High fidelity in situ simulation (HFISS) recreates high pressure clinical situations in safe environments to improve teamworking and task-orientated skills. It improves confidence and encourages dialogue between team members. However, little is known about observer perceptions of HFISS: we sought to investigate if this was supportive of its use. Summary of Work During a 2 day conference, over 300 lay and professional observers (Public/Non-medical: Group A; Medical: Group B) were exposed to up to 5 HFISS episodes, where multi-professional teams completed scenarios followed by a structured debrief. Observers completed questionnaires of 10 closed-ended questions. Perceptions of observed HFISS and impressions of such training were quantitatively assessed. Summary of Results Group A constituted 38% of 76 respondents: 93% (n=27) and 73% (n=21) thought HFISS likely to improve teamwork and identification of practice improvement areas respectively. 53% (n=15) thought HFISS could substitute real-life experience. As patients, 93% (n=27) would feel safer being managed by a team trained using HFISS. There were no significant differences compared to Group B. Regarding HFISS components, scenario performance was perceived to be of equal or greater importance than debrief in helping professionals understand how they work together by 86% (n=25) of Group A compared to 60% (n=28) of Group B (p Discussion Both groups predominantly regard HFISS as positively affecting teamworking and identifying practice improvement areas. This is likely as an adjunct to conventional training methods. Perceptions of improved patient safety resulting from HFISS training from the public and professionals alike are supportive of its use. Professional experience of medical practice may affect the perception of HFISS components. Conclusions Both medical and non-medical observers of HFISS training reported an overall positive impression of the training method, with perceived benefits in teamworking and identifying areas requiring practice improvement. Public perceptions of increased patient safety should support the advancement of and engagement with HFISS to support on-going professional development. Take Home Messages 1. Medical and non-medical observers perceive HFISS as a beneficial adjunct to traditional training methods and feel safer knowing it is part of professional training. 2. Increasing awareness of local simulation practice may improve institutional confidence to provide high quality HFISS training and garner support for its role in staff.