title: A national approach for the use of simulation to educate and train the NHS workforce: the First National Clinical Skills Strategy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There have been a number of drivers for the use of simulation in healthcare education for the NHS workforce. The development of an accessible and efficient national approach to its implementation has been challenging.
  
  
  METHODS
  An action research approach was used to develop a national strategy using several data inputs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From sampling across practitioners and territorial health boards geographical and professional groups, access was the main challenge to the use of simulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Four priority areas were identified, which formed the basis of the national strategy Partnership for Care, which included a mobile unit, a managed educational network, a programme board and an alliance of stakeholders.
authors.affiliation: Professor of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, UK j.s.ker@dundee.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ker
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Dean 2004-2015, East of Scotland Deanery, NHS Education for Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cachia
authors.affiliation: Project Manager CSMEN, East of Scotland Deanery, NHS Education for Scotland, Ninewells Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: Beverley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Beasant
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000639:trends*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D012606:Scotland; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: Simulation; clinical skills; national strategy