SLICE & Simulation showcase helps SimLEARN spread simulation to enhance Veteran care

In early August, participants—both in-person and virtual—attended the 2023 SLICE & Simulation Showcase. The event, organized by the Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN) Learning Management (LM) portfolio, celebrated the growth of its SimLEARN Innovation Center for Education (SLICE) Network, while charting a path to improve the agility, efficacy and expansion of simulation-based training throughout the country. The Showcase presented an opportunity for VISN champions and Enterprise simulation educators, specialists and experts to learn, collaborate and share effective practices across the SLICE network.

Engaged attendees bring expertise to SimLEARN

Taking place at the National SimVET Center in Orlando, Florida, and over the course of two days, educators, nurses, clinicians, mental health specialists, dental specialists, technology experts and health executives gathered to understand the most pressing needs of simulation-based health care tools. Beginning with a keynote address from SimLEARN Executive Director Eric Bruns, the day kicked off with his call to embrace Murphy’s Law of “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”

Bruns noted, “With each simulated environment, with each SLICE site, and with each administrative efficiency, SimLEARN rises to the challenge Murphy’s Law presents… above all, we’re guided by the belief that ‘anything that cannot go wrong, will not go wrong.’”

The Showcase featured nine speakers as well as 11 poster presenters. Topics ranged from simulation in root cause analysis to simulation in communication exercises to bariatric patient evacuations, and even training how to handle belligerent and unruly individuals through simulation. All of the speakers at the Showcase shared a common value for, understanding of and commitment to simulation in health care. Attendees, both in person and virtual, had the opportunity to ask questions to gain insights into best practices, the speakers’ expertise and to share their own experiences.

Associate Director of SimLEARN’s Learning Management portfolio Dr. Jonathan Borgwing, said, “The SLICE & Simulation Showcase allows us to highlight simulation programs and innovations that will continue to positively influence the entire enterprise. Arming our frontline providers with best-in-class education is not only critical to providing Veterans with the best care, but the SLICE network actualizes that education at scale, creating profound impacts for profound results.”

Simulation growth throughout the country through SimLEARN

The event received high marks from those in attendance, which carries with it the promise of SLICE cells continuing to spread throughout the country and, with them, simulation in health care. Despite almost 70% of participants being very familiar with SimLEARN and its priorities, nearly 75% gained a greater understanding of SimLEARN and its ambitions for the future. Additionally, over 80% of participants were familiar with simulation-based tools in health care with over half of participants regularly using them; however, 90% of participants at the SLICE & Simulation showcase agreed or strongly agreed that the event instilled the value of simulation-based training and tools for bettering health outcomes.

These results show a clear enthusiasm for the work SimLEARN’s Learning Management portfolio does through the SLICE program. The program operates as VHA’s national program for advancing clinical simulation training, education and research across VHA. This network of partnerships and facilities (known as SLICE cells) seeks to improve Veteran patient outcomes through simulation education and training for VA facility health care professionals.

There is no better indicator for this enthusiasm than the tremendous growth that SLICE has seen over the past year. In 2022, there were 17 SLICE cells throughout the United States; however, now in 2023, there are 70 cells, which is a remarkable 312% increase. The momentum for the SLICE Network continues to grow, and the SimLEARN team looks forward to what is to come in 2024.

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