Working with Experts from Non-clinical Fields

Simulation programs can benefit greatly from inter-disciplinary collaboration, especially with specialists outside of clinical fields. A working knowledge of relevant non-clinical fields can help simulation program directors by enriching the diversity of lessons learned, enhanceing the impact and maximizing the value derived from simulation. Such knowledge also provides a resource for finding and working with experts in these fields. We outline top non-clinical fields that have played important roles in various aspects of simulation in healthcare. These fields include professional education, human factors, safety science, quality improvement, gaming, psychometrics, biostatistics, and sensor technology. Expertise in some of these fields, such as patient safety and professional education, may be readily available in a clinical setting. Other fields will require working with local and regional organizations, such as nearby universities. It is necessary to develop common ground with non-clinician experts, such as orientation on health care priorities and culture. Non-clinicians may find it useful to shadow in clinical settings, attend case discussions and project meetings. It may also be feasible for healthcare simulation specialists to attend introductory training in certain fields, such as professional education, so that they can bridge the language gaps when working with experts from non-clinical fields.