Enhancing the Effectiveness of Disaster Simulations through Contemporary Simulation Design and Technology

Abstract

Introduction:

Simulation is often employed to test mass casualty and disaster response planning within hospitals, but it is resource intensive and needs to achieve high-quality recreation of scenarios to be effective. The delivery of large-scale interdisciplinary team and system simulation requires consideration of physical safety, system integrity for real patients, simulation team communication, and effective dissemination of outcomes.

Aim:

To describe challenges and potential solutions for effective delivery of disaster simulations, drawn from simulation service experience at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service (GCHHS).

Methods:

This case study reviews strategies used to deliver a large-scale multi-team in-hospital disaster and trauma simulation, involving more than 75 participants drawn from paramedic/ambulance, emergency, trauma service, anesthetics, perioperative, surgical, and hospital administrative teams.

Results:

Issues reviewed include simulation delivery team composition and briefing, safety strategies, matching simulation methodology to exercise objectives, the use of real-time communications technologies and apps for real-time communication and performance tracking, and leveraging the simulation experience for observers by narrated Facetime stream. Following the simulation, a debriefing was conducted with participants to address performance, communication and interfaces, strengths and weaknesses, and overall opportunity for improvement. Facility-wide dissemination of messages through standardized reporting, infographics, and video vignettes were also reviewed.

Discussion:

Simulation is an engaging way to assess protocols and practices for disaster response within a tertiary hospital, and effectiveness can be enhanced through the strategic use of contemporary techniques and technologies.