50 - Success with Clinical Simulation = Assessment+ Planning+Implementation

Abstract

This chapter aims to provide the clinical simulator with the tools to accomplish the mission—to select the right simulator and to successfully implement and integrate it within a specific organization or institution. The tools that are suggested here are drawn from professional writings in the field of instructional and performance technology, tempered by the author's own experience in observing what works and what does not work. The first of these tools is “Mega Planning,” which is based on the work of Roger Kaufman, and addresses how organizations plan and how planning can be implemented to ensure organizational acceptance and success. The next tool is Human Performance Technology, which is an “an engineering approach to attaining desired accomplishments from human performers by determining gaps in performance and designing cost-effective and efficient interventions.” Human Performance Technology is solidly based on systems theory, and is in use in industry and government around the world. The chapter uses the Human Performance Technology model described by Van Tiem, Mosely, and Dessinger. To this have been added aspects from the work of Jack Phillips on his (Return on Investment) “ROI process,” which helps you to identify not just the financial aspects of Return on Investment, but also those other critical benchmarks to help you to assess the relative success of your program. The chapter proposes that if you use these tools to guide you in your selection, planning, implementation, and evaluation of your use of clinical simulation, then you will be on a prudent course of action leading toward success.