title: Introducing simulation-based education to healthcare professionals: exploring the challenge of integrating theory into educational practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Introducing simulation-based education to the curricular programme of healthcare professionals can be challenging. This study explored the early experiences of healthcare professionals in the use of simulation. This was in the context of the Kuwait-Scotland transformational health innovation network programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two cohorts of healthcare professionals undertook a simulation module as part of faculty development programme in Kuwait. Participants' initial perceptions of simulators were gathered using a structured questionnaire in the clinical skills centre. Their subsequent ability to demonstrate the application of simulation was evaluated through analyses of the video-recordings of teaching sessions they undertook and written reflections of their experiences of using simulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In theory, participants were able to identify simulators' classification and fidelity. They also recognised some of the challenges of using simulators. In their teaching sessions, most participants focused on using part-task trainers to teach procedural skills. In their written reflections, they did not articulate a justification for their choice of simulator or its limitations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated a theory-to-practice gap in the early use of simulation by healthcare educators. The findings highlight the need for deliberate practice and adequate mentorship for educators to develop confidence and competence in the use of simulation as part of their educational practice.
authors.affiliation: Teaching Assistant, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait maramk@hsc.edu.kw.
authors.forename: Maram G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Katoue
authors.affiliation: AHA instructor, Kuwait Medical Association Training Centre, Kuwait.
authors.forename: Nadia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Iblagh
authors.affiliation: Lecturer/Post Graduate Clinical Skills Educator, University of Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Somerville
authors.affiliation: Associate Dean of Innovation in Medical Education, Professor of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ker
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007730:Kuwait; D017145:Models, Educational; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012606:Scotland; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: Simulation-based education; deliberate practice; mentorship