Simulation to improve patient care

Integrating “best practices” into healthcare is a daunting task; healthcare delivery may be the most complex dynamic process ever crafted by humans in our efforts to modify the biology, physiology, and culture of health and illness. Simulation, particularly simulation in situ, involving patient care teams in patient care spaces, provides unique insights as it closely approaches clinical Work-as-Done. Simulation “in the wild” may use technology-enhanced manikins, simple or elaborate physical models, or virtual or augmented reality representations of patients. Initially, simulation efforts focused on improving provider knowledge and skills, but practice now includes integration into quality and safety programs. Simulation is a powerful tool that can inform and enrich implementation processes to improve healthcare delivery.