A Simulation-Based Curriculum for the Development of Leadership and Communication Skills for Emergency Medicine Residents
Correspondence should be addressed to Rachel Thorpe, MD at rachel.lauren.thorpe@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8R33K
ABSTRACT:
Audience:
This simulation curriculum was designed to be applicable to emergency medicine residents of all levels of training. Its educational focus is on leadership and interpersonal skills, and it is easily adaptable for learners from different specialties as well.
Introduction:
Training in leadership and communication skills has become a focus in graduate medical education, and is critical to successful navigation of many patient care situations in emergency medicine. These skills are difficult to teach in traditional didactic settings, pushing educators to create new methods for instructing learners in interpersonal skills.
Objectives:
This educational intervention was developed to provide physician learners a safe learning environment to practice critical leadership skills, including overcoming team member limitations, navigating power struggles, addressing team morale, and managing disruptive team members.
Methods:
This curriculum utilizes simulation scenarios with the introduction of role cards to create unexpected challenges in team dynamics. Four simulation scenarios were designed, using straightforward patient care situations to minimize the cognitive load on learners. Role cards were introduced into each scenario, creating four different communication and teamwork challenges for learners to navigate.The curriculum was implemented at the authors’ simulation center with four groups of learners of varied educational levels. Learners were queried regarding their impressions of the simulation curriculum and their self-perceived personal growth.
Length of curriculum:
Three hours.
Topics:
Leadership skills, communication skills, team dynamics.
