Work Domain Analysis for Control of Medical Simulation Training

Controlling a medical simulation training exercise, especially one that involves an interactive patient simulator, is a demanding job. It requires monitoring, and sometimes intervening in, technical processes and the learner’s cognitive processes. To explore opportunities for better support for the cognitive demands of simulation directors, we conducted a Work Domain Analysis to generate an Abstraction Hierarchy on the area of management of a simulation training exercise. Our results emphasize the complexity involved, including the management of trade-offs between facilitation of learning and maintenance of the learner’s immersion in the scenario. We identify potential methods of cognitive support for managing these trade-offs. Next steps include analysis of control methods.