Research

RCSI SIM is dedicated to advancing simulation-based learning in healthcare and other areas through research and education. The scope of our research encompasses the full continuum of higher education. The team investigate complex and challenging clinical scenarios, to identify and improve best practice, and to inform the development of evidence-based interventions. The research is also used to inform the design and implementation of impactful courses using simulation strategies, specifically simulation participant methodology, to optimally train professionals.

Collaborations are developed internally at RCSI and externally with local, national and international partners. We strive to help develop and influence the evolving discipline of simulation science.

While we engage in a broad range of research topics, we concentrate our efforts on the following thematic areas:

  • Simulation curriculum design;
  • Simulator development and material science;
  • Simulated participant methodology;
  • Analysing and interpreting the data generated from simulations;
  • Clinical decision-making, communication and teamwork;
  • Utility of assessment tools; and 
  • Understanding and improving health professions education and surgical training.

Simulation research student at RCSI

Examples of our recent and ongoing research include:

  • Simulation use for interprofessional communication practices in healthcare and beyond (Higher Education Authority)
  • Understanding the scope and scale of clinical handover issues in emergency surgery in Ireland (Medical Protection Society Foundation)
  • Designing a simulation-enhanced curriculum to increase family support capacity for first responders who experience trauma in the line of duty: HUGS@HOME (Movember Foundation)
  • Developing a simulation-based mastery-learning curriculum for ultrasound guided interventional radiology procedures (Irish Research Council)

Recent international research collaborations include:

  • Maastricht University
  • University of Zurich
  • King’s College London
  • Harvard Center for Medical Simulation
  • PAEDSIM e.V.
  • Monash University
  • University of Toronto