Statewide Interprofessional Faculty Development in Simulation-Based Education for Health Professions

• Faculty development programs that address specific needs in simulation-based education (SBE) are limited.
• The use of fundamental educational sciences enhances effectiveness of SBE.
• Faculty development should target priority training needs.
• Regional and statewide implementation of standard faculty development can facilitate optimal use of SBE.
• Simulation-based, interprofessional learning can enhance teamwork, quality, and safety.
• Using regional teams can facilitate sustainable statewide implementation.

In 2009, the Louisiana Legislature established a statewide simulation council to enhance the use of simulation-based education programs in health profession. A statewide assessment of simulation-based education needs and resources completed in 2011 revealed faculty development was the highest priority, and there was a strong desire for interprofessional learning and collaboration. A 12-module curriculum and a statewide, interprofessional, implementation model were designed that included regional teams and training sites. Phase 1 (first four modules) was completed during the 2012-13 fiscal year. Statewide, results revealed high faculty receptivity, statistically significant gains for all targeted knowledge, skills, and perspectives, and highly effective overall implementation.