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.