October 8, 2024 • 41 mins
What ignites a lifelong passion for healthcare simulation at the tender age of 14? Dr. Barry Issenberg, the esteemed president of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), shares his remarkable journey from a curious teenager to a pivotal leader in the field. In our engaging conversation, Dr. Issenberg unveils his strategic vision for SSH, emphasizing education, research, advocacy, and credentialing as key pillars. We promise listeners an inside look at the ASCEND program, a groundbreaking initiative set to mentor and connect the next generation of simulation leaders. This program isn't just about growth; it's about fostering innovation, with the first cohort eagerly anticipated at IMSH 2025.
Our episode also explores SSH's far-reaching impact on a global scale. We unpack the organization’s successful initiatives, from the SSH Fund to the global partnerships spearheaded by the Commission for International Simulation and Accreditation (CISA). These efforts are making waves, helping international centers overcome accreditation barriers and amplifying the influence of healthcare simulation worldwide. The conversation culminates with exciting prospects for the future, including advancements in accreditation, certification, and the transformative Healthcare Simulation 2050 forum. Join us for a visionary discussion that not only highlights the current landscape but also sets the stage for the future of health professions education.
Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Disclaimer/Innovative Sim S (00:00):
The views and opinions expressed in
this program are those of thespeakers and do not necessarily
reflect the opinions orpositions of anyone at
Innovative Sim Solutions or oursponsors.
This week's podcast issponsored by Innovative Sim
Solutions.
Are you interested in thejourney of simulation
accreditation?
Do you plan to design a newsimulation center or expand your
(00:24):
existing center?
What about taking your programto the next level?
Give Deb Tauber from InnovativeSim Solutions a call to support
you in all your simulationneeds.
With years of experience, Debcan coach your team to make your
simulation dreams becomereality.
Learn more at www.
innovativesimsolutions.
com or just reach out to DebContact today.
(00:48):
Welcome to The Sim Cafe, apodcast produced by the team at
Innovative Sim Solutions, editedby Shelly Houser.
Join our host, deb Tauber, andco-host Jerrod Jeffries, our
host Deb Tauber and co-hostJerrod Jeffries, as they sit
(01:08):
down with subject matter expertsfrom across the globe to
reimagine clinical education andthe use of simulation.
So pour yourself a cup ofrelaxation, sit back, tune in
and learn something new fromThe Sim Cafe.
Deb Tauber (01:30):
Welcome to another episode of The Sim Cafe and
welcome, Jerrod Jeffries.
Thank you for being here, andwe are very excited to have Dr
Barry Issenberg, who is thecurrent president of SSH at this
time.
Dr Issenberg, why don't currentpresident of SSH at this time?
Dr Issenberg, why don't youtell our listeners a little bit
(01:50):
about yourself and your journeyinto healthcare simulation and
how you became involved?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (01:52):
With SSH Sure, I'd be delighted, and
thank you again, Deb and Jerrod,for the opportunity to be part
of this podcast.
And so my journey intosimulation I actually happened
at a relatively young age, whenI was 14.
And this is going back to 1982.
My father had become ill and mymother had to go back to work.
She had previous experience infundraising for non-for-profits
(02:15):
and also worked in the TV andmedia, and the position that she
found available was at theUniversity of Miami, working
with Dr Michael Gordon, who bythat time had already
established a human patientsimulator called Harvey, and she
joined his unit in 1982.
Within a couple of days, shewould come home and tell me all
(02:37):
about it and said Barry, I thinkthis would be a wonderful place
.
It combines both your interestin technology as well as by that
time I think I knew I wanted togo into healthcare.
And so, beginning at the age of14, through middle school and
high school, I would volunteerat Michael Gordon's Medical
Training and SimulationLaboratory doing a range of
(02:58):
activities, from programmingearly databases to recording
heart sounds, which at that timewere on four-track tapes, and I
used my I guess you would callit talents as playing the piano
of having an ear for knowingwhere to splice four-track tapes
.
That expanded when I was amedical student at the
(03:20):
University of Miami, and so thiswas from the years 1990 to 1995
.
I was able to take a year offbetween my second and third year
and spend a full year immersingmyself at the medical training
and simulation laboratory, whereI really felt that that was
going to be my calling.
It combined my love foreducation and teaching, of
(03:42):
developing new technologies, allfor the purpose of applying to
prepare people to take bettercare of patients, and so I
continued to work in thelaboratory during medical school
and even during residency whenI was in Birmingham, and then
had the opportunity of joiningfull-time at the Medical
Training and SimulationLaboratory in 1998, when I
(04:04):
joined the faculty.
Deb Tauber (04:06):
Wow, that's quite a story, very, very interesting,
and you've really been insimulation for quite some time.
Yeah, now, as the currentpresident of SSH, what are your
key priorities and what changesdo you hope to bring during your
tenure developed a five-yearstrategic plan to really guide
the Society for Simulation inHealthcare as it reached its
20th anniversary moving itforward over the next five years
, now, as the current presidentof SSH, what are your key
priorities
Dr. Barry Issenberg (04:34):
and what changes do you hope to bring
during your tenure developed afive-year strategic plan to
really guide the Society forSimulation in Healthcare as it
reached its 20th anniversary ofmoving it forward over the next
five years.
I was fortunate to be part ofthat development process during
(04:55):
my incoming president-elect year, and we had both the presidents
and the board directors and thesenior executive leadership for
the society developed five mainstrategic pillars that would
guide all of the initiatives andthe projects that the society
are engaging, and those include,in the broad areas of education
(05:16):
and training, research andscholarship, advocacy,
credentialing, which includesboth accreditation and
certification of individuals,and then, overall, really the
foundation to support all ofthose activities are
organizational sustainment andgrowth, and one of the exciting
new initiatives related to thatpillar of organizational
(05:38):
sustainment and growth is a newprogram that was just announced
last week called the ASCENDprogram, and this is really for
the goal of identifying andnurturing the next generation of
simulation leaders who canadvance their careers and,
importantly, have all of thetools in place to support the
(05:59):
continued expansion and growthof healthcare simulation.
And so the ASCEND stands forAdvancing Simulation Careers and
Empowering Next GenerationDevelopment.
There's an application processthat's underway and the goal is
to identify young leaders, toteam them with mentors and,
(06:21):
during that year, mentors, andduring that year they'll have a
full range of mentorship,networking opportunities and
also to gain valuable insightsinto the Society for Simulation
and Healthcare Operations sothat they have an early
opportunity to help shape thefuture of healthcare simulation.
The program is open to allhealthcare simulationists from
(06:44):
the global community.
The program is open to allhealthcare simulationists from
the global community, includingstudents and residents, fellows,
junior faculty members,operations specialists,
educators, innovators and alsoindustry professionals, because
we feel the diversity of all ofthese talents and experiences
will only enrich the societymoving forward.
That's one of the excitinginitiatives that I'm proud that
(07:08):
the board of directors approvedand we have a strong team
leading that program this year.
Deb Tauber (07:13):
I think that's really exciting.
This is the first I've heardabout the Ascend program, but it
seems like it was recentlylaunched last week, and then
there'll be more visibilityaround it at IMSH in January 25.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (07:25):
That is true.
So we have a very rapid bothapplication process and review
process.
So at the IMSH 2025, we willannounce the inaugural cohort of
participants or individuals tobe part of the Ascend program.
Disclaimer/Innovative (07:41):
Wonderful .
Deb Tauber (07:42):
And Dr Issenberg, how would one become if
someone's interested?
How would they demonstratetheir interest and what is the
process?
And how many people will you beable to accept?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (07:52):
Great questions there is and what was
promoted last week anddisseminated last week as an
application process.
So there's a link to submit andthere's a small series of
questions about kind ofoutlining one's current
responsibilities and roles, whattheir aspirations are, and so
(08:12):
the goal the first year to beanywhere from six to 10
individuals as kind of a pilotprogram, and we hope to expand
that in future years.
But we want to make sure thisfirst year that we work out all
of the operational components ofthe program.
But to your specific question,we're looking to identify from
six to 10 individuals.
Deb Tauber (08:34):
Excellent.
Thank you so much.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (08:38):
I guess the other key area that supports
the pillar of organizationalsustainment and growth is the
successful launch last year ofthe SSH Fund and this year being
able SympVenture awards,increasing the number of Beverly
(09:09):
Anderson scholarships thatallow our international
colleagues to be able to attendthe IMSH, as well as the
CHAT-EPS lecture endowment.
And then some funds are beingsaved to help develop and grow a
more permanent endowment thatwe think that over time we'll be
able to even provide evenstronger support for these and
(09:30):
new initiatives that come onboard.
Deb Tauber (09:33):
Dr Issenberg, how would one, if one wanted to
apply for funding?
What would they?
What would the steps be aroundthem?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (09:40):
Great question.
On the website for the SSH FONthere is an area where people
can look for in any of thoseareas in research, simventure
Awards, Beverly AndersonScholarships, and so for the
research grants it would becontacting the research
committee and because they'rethe ones who review the
(10:02):
applications for considerationand then make the
recommendations ultimately tothe board.
Similarly, the SimVentureAwards is overseen by the
Technology Committee and theBeverly Anderson Scholarships is
overseen by both our Internaland External Relations Committee
, and so, while the board,working with the leaders of the
(10:23):
SSH fund, provide more of anoverall management or
stewardship of the fund, thespecific programs that are
identified are at the level ofour committees.
Deb Tauber (10:36):
That's a lot of things that have happened in the
last year for SSH, and whatrole do you see SSH playing in
shaping the future of healthcareglobally?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (11:08):
Society of Simulation in Europe is both the
creation and publicationdissemination of a consensus
statement on simulation-basedpractice that had input and
contributions from nearly 60simulation societies throughout
the world, in over 50 countries,and really it was an
opportunity to one outline thecurrent state of simulation
healthcare, identifying the needto overcome global healthcare
(11:32):
challenges and the role ofsimulation as a tool, being
mindful of the ethicalconsiderations related to the
safe and equitable and diverseuse of simulation, and then
coming up with a series ofrecommendations for simulation
best practice.
And then finally and this isrelated to our advocacy pillar
(11:52):
really a call for action forpolicymakers, healthcare
organization leaders, as well ashealth education institution
and simulations.
And so this publication has veryunique in this occasion that
has been published by all of thefour leading healthcare
simulation journals, and we feelthat, in addition to creating a
(12:15):
common blueprint across theglobal healthcare simulation
community, it provides resourcesand tools and talking points
for those who are engaged inhealthcare simulation every day,
to involve and reach out tothose who have a role in the
delivery of healthcare but maynot be involved in simulation on
(12:36):
a daily basis schools andprovosts, includes healthcare
leaders for large healthcaresystems, policymakers and those
in charge of providing fundingso that we have a common ground
and can speak with a moreunified voice, not only to those
within the healthcaresimulation community but more
(12:57):
broadly, because we feel if wedon't have a stronger
relationship to those who areultimately responsible for
delivering healthcare, thensimulation will not be able to
be realized to its maximum, tohave the impact that we feel it
can have and it has had in smallinstances.
But there's a long way to go.
Deb Tauber (13:19):
Thank, you, thank you.
Now can you share additionalexamples, like particularly the
impactful projects?
Something about the CISA work?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (13:29):
Oh sure, so the CISA, which stands for the
Commission for InternationalSimulation and Accreditation,
was a project that was reallycreated out of the SSH's
Accreditation Council, and itstarted with a research project
a few years ago where the goalwas to, of those many centers
(13:50):
that have already beenaccredited, determine their
perceived and actual return oninvestment for being an
accredited program.
The project did identify inmany instances where those
centers that were accreditedrealized a benefit.
It may have been expansion ofsimulation across their
enterprise, additional funding,increasing in scholarship,
(14:14):
increased recognition andincreased use of healthcare
simulation.
But one of the areas or biggaps that was identified that
only 15% of the currentlyaccredited programs among all of
them were international, and sothe council did a deeper dive
and they identified severalareas that limited or were
(14:36):
barriers for these internationalcenters from even considering
applying for accreditation.
And they included languagebarriers, because all of the
materials were in English.
The cost in terms of theapplication process itself, as
well as supporting reviewers tocome on site and we all know
it's expensive to travel, evendomestically, even more so when
(14:57):
it's international.
And then different culturalconsiderations.
Admittedly, many of theaccreditation guidelines are
very US or North Americancentric, and we understood from
the very beginning, there werecertain cultural identities
throughout the world and nuancesthat we had to better
(15:19):
appreciate before we could justsay set of guidelines, go ahead
and implement them in your localinstitution.
And so out of that was born thisidea of coming up with a
commission for internationalsimulation accreditation, one to
meet the growing demand butalso to help address these
different barriers that wereidentified.
(15:40):
And so the goal is to partnerwith affiliate global healthcare
simulation organizations and toenhance their accreditation
efforts in their geographicregion.
And so the partnershipidentifies and makes an
affiliate, what we're calling aninter-accrediting organization.
As part of this agreement,these organizations are provided
(16:05):
with the training materials andguidelines in their language to
accredit jointly with theirorganization and with SSH, to be
officially recognized with SSHaccreditation.
The first partnership that wasassigned a few months ago was
with the Society for Simulationin Mexico, and currently their
leaders are going through atraining process with the
Accreditation Council so thatthey have a cadre of reviewers
(16:30):
who can begin in early 2025.
We begin reviewing the firstseries of simulation centers in
Mexico who will be consideredfor accreditation.
Deb Tauber (16:42):
Yes, it's very exciting work and I know I serve
on the council and a lot ofwork went into that process and
we are looking forward to seeingwhat comes of it.
And we are looking forward toseeing what comes of it.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (16:58):
I think it will go a long way.
I think also it's somethingthat just takes time in some of
the other regions.
We take for granted that thehealthcare simulation within
North America and in many placesin Europe has reached a stage
of maturity, but it took 30 or40 years to get there and we
have to understand that some ofthese things just take an
(17:20):
evolution, a natural evolutionof time and growth.
But nonetheless, many of ourglobal affiliates are very
excited with this new programand this new opportunity and I
think, for many reasons, beingable to have the first partner,
the inaugural partner, with ourneighbors in Mexico in again
(17:41):
their native language of Spanish, will go a long way to
demonstrate what the potentialand what we hope to be the
impact of this new program.
Deb Tauber (17:50):
Right, Thank you very much.
Now what about virtual reality?
Is telehealth and virtualreality become more integrated
into medical training?
How do you think thesetechnologies are going to
influence healthcare andsimulation in the future?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (18:05):
Great topics.
I think they're repeatedly whenI'm asked to discuss what are
the new innovations coming about?
Telehealth, virtual reality,extended reality more broadly
and, of course, ai, which couldbe a whole other podcast, but
specifically with telehealth andvirtual reality, I think
there's many, many areas thatthey promise to enhance
(18:28):
healthcare simulation and evenexpand what was previously
capable.
Telehealth is able to connect,on the healthcare delivery side,
patients and healthcareproviders more directly, and,
while it was certainly usedleading up to 2020, the pandemic
demonstrated, based out ofnecessity, the role that
(18:50):
telehealth can have in breakingdown geographic and physical
barriers to link those who havea need with experts.
And so I think telehealthalready and will continue to
increase access to medical care,particularly in rural and
underserved areas, and we'vedemonstrated, both globally and
(19:12):
even within North America andthe United States, increasing
disparities in the level ofhealthcare between people who
live in rural areas and thosewho live in more urban areas.
That's even now.
There's data demonstratingsignificant differences in life
expectancy and morbidity forcertain conditions and, with
(19:33):
that, the connections created bytelehealth to help reduce those
disparities.
But telehealth can also be usedthe technology for what we call
tele or remote simulation,where some areas that need to
have training but don't haveaccess to the larger simulation
centers.
Using telehealth technology,those experts who are at some of
(19:57):
the larger centers can connectwith those in more remote or
rural areas to deliver eitherscientific expertise or
operational expertise ortechnical expertise, so that
there really isn't a significantdivide in the access for these
resources in those in lessresourced regions.
(20:18):
In one example, at theUniversity of Miami, which is in
a large urban city, we usetelehealth so that our faculty,
who are 10 miles away in aclinic, have to observe or need
to observe a student, either inan OSCE or in a simulation
scenario, and while 10 milesdoesn't seem that far in South
(20:40):
Florida traffic, it could be anhour and a half.
And so we're using thetelehealth capability and the
infrastructure to be able togive access to our faculty and
instructors to have remoteobservations of simulation, and
I think we're going to be seeingmore with that.
And then the virtual realitythe nature of it being a
(21:01):
digital-based delivery ofhealthcare settings opens up the
possibility of providing moretraining and more experiences.
Past three decades thatlearners have demonstrated their
preference for learning,experiential learning and
(21:22):
hands-on learning, engaging inrealistic hands-on scenarios
that approximate what they'regoing to see and experience in
real clinical settings.
But there are certainlimitations we all understand.
In addition to the cost ofphysical equipment, it's the
cost and time of human resourcesto be able to operate those
(21:44):
simulation centers.
Most of them aren't open 24-7.
And so, really, if we want toscale healthcare simulation more
broadly to train hundreds oflearners around the clock, I
think virtual reality and itsderivatives, or it's the
complementary technology ofvirtual reality, such as
augmented reality and mixedreality, will enable the
(22:07):
scalability and theaffordability of healthcare
simulation in a much moredramatic way.
Deb Tauber (22:13):
Yes, I very much agree.
I feel like the virtual realityand the telehealth during the
pandemic have just really openedup that field so exponentially
quickly and people are just.
It's just.
You can watch it every daychange and improve.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (22:33):
I would like to add on to the last part
related to virtual reality.
Like to add on to the last partrelated to virtual reality.
Many people want to engage init but they're not really sure
how to go about doing that.
And virtual reality, augmentedreality and mixed reality
they're a little bit differentthan the traditional types of
technologies that have so farbeen used in healthcare
(22:55):
simulation, and what I mean bythat is when the task trainers
and mannequins were beingdeveloped 20 and 30 years ago.
That technology was led for themost part by those in
healthcare or biomedicalengineers who work with those in
healthcare for a very specifichealthcare focus and purpose.
Most of the technology involvedin virtual reality and the other
(23:19):
forms related to virtualreality were not developed
within healthcare.
They're developed in many casesin the gaming industry or
entertainment industry, and sowhat we're struggling now is to
how to best use that technologyfor the purpose of meeting the
outcomes or goals that we havein healthcare education.
(23:40):
And one of the other projectsexciting collaborative projects
that I'm going to be involved inbetween now and leading up to
mid-November is working with ourpartners at Society for
Assimilation in Europe and CSAM.
They are convening an UtsteinSummit.
It's being supported by theLaredal Foundation.
(24:01):
The goal of the summit is toconvene through 30 healthcare
simulation experts from aroundthe world with the goal of
developing a paper andguidelines on the best use of
extended reality for healthcaresimulation, and to come up with
a three to four year researchplan so that those in healthcare
(24:26):
simulation have a little bitmore focused guidance on the use
of these new technologies andalso opportunities for research
and scholarship.
Deb Tauber (24:36):
That's very exciting news.
I'm sure that there's going tobe a lot of thought leaders
together coming up with somereal applications for how to use
virtual reality and someguidance around the field,
because I feel like it's kind oflike the Wild West out there
with virtual reality right now.
Everyone's using it in adifferent way, so it sounds like
(24:58):
you guys, leaders, are takingsome action to move things more
towards a shared mental model ofvirtual reality.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (25:09):
And we think there'll be.
The nature of the technologyitself lends itself more to
collaborative, multi-centerprojects, the fact that you can
connect through this technologyand physical boundaries really
now are less of a limitation.
We think there'll be many newexciting opportunities just
(25:32):
within the researchcollaborative space or even
within training collaborationson a level that just couldn't be
possible with more physicaltype.
Deb Tauber (25:43):
Yeah, we interviewed somebody from the VA, where
they're using virtual realitywith their patients, and the
patients are loving it.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (25:52):
It's just, you know, really exciting to see
where it's going and to see itsapplications to help people
patients engaging with this typeof technology, anything we can
(26:12):
do to empower them and to engagethem, for them to be, for
patients to be more part oftheir own healthcare delivery.
I think that's really anuntapped area of how we leverage
healthcare simulation,specifically VR, in teaching and
empowering the patientpopulation.
I think once we're able to dothat, we're going to see
dramatic changes in the outcomesof patients.
Deb Tauber (26:35):
Yes, I agree.
I agree, I'm going to jump backa little bit.
And what do you think about thecurrent state of accreditation
and certification for theSociety for Simulation and
Healthcare?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (26:46):
Well, to get to that question, I think in
terms of accreditation, firstof centers within the program,
the Society, it continues toexpand.
In this last round ofapplication I had close to 60
applications for centers, bothfor new accreditation and in
renewals.
Accreditation and renewals andI think, as simulation is
(27:12):
becoming more broadly adoptedacross the healthcare landscape
and being applied more broadlyto other health professions
beyond nursing and medicine,those leaders at these
institutions and health systemsare asking more deliberate
questions in terms of how thesesimulation centers are going to
(27:34):
demonstrate a greater return oninvestment in a shorter period
of time.
They've already bought in oragree that simulation can make a
difference.
They're going to make aninvestment in using simulation.
They want that investment tohave a return quickly.
And I think simulation centerswho go through an accreditation
process, who are able to applythe best practices from the very
(27:57):
beginning and to be able todemonstrate that in a way, not
just to the Society forSimulation Healthcare for
accreditation purposes, but moreimportantly as a tool for their
own accreditation related tothe accreditation professions or
in reporting to leaders, Ithink they're able to
(28:18):
demonstrate a greater valueproposition to those in
leadership positions thanperhaps centers who aren't
engaged in that process, becausethe benchmarks that you must be
able to demonstrate and reportare those that are more closely
aligned with the strategic andoperational benchmarks of the
(28:39):
large institutions.
Industry matures and isincreasingly being adopted.
The expectation from leaders,both in higher education and in
the healthcare delivery systems,are almost going to expect some
level of accreditation of acenter, because they understand
(29:02):
that that is associated with acertain level of best practices
and, to my earlier point, agreater return on investment.
That's on the accreditation side.
I think there's also a greaterappreciation, and those who have
been in the field for a longtime have known this.
We may not have communicated tothose who needed to hear it,
(29:24):
but I think there's arecognition.
If you're going to invest inthese centers, which are a
tremendous investment in termsof the space and the facilities,
the equipment, you need bothtalented and trained people to
be able to run and operate those.
And so I think, without havinga history of degrees within
(29:47):
simulation bachelor's degrees,associate art degrees or
master's degrees I think thecertification process enables,
in a short period of time, toupskill individuals who have
talents in many areas, enable tolearn about a simulation, learn
about the taxonomy, learn aboutbest practices and be able to
(30:07):
apply their skills in operations, in finance, in marketing, in
education, in communication,leverage all those and focus it
in a healthcare simulationcontext, and I think that's what
the certification programs add.
Deb Tauber (30:24):
Yes, people have a shared mental model and it makes
it easier when you haveindividuals that have been
certified to work towardsaccreditation.
There's many standards thatneed to be met during the
application process.
As you mentioned, almost 60,nearly 60 applications in 2024
(30:49):
that will be hopefullyrecognized in 2025 as accredited
programs.
I don't remember how many ofthem are reaccreditations and
how many are new, but it will beinteresting to see in the
future, if we have over 250centers that are currently
accredited, how quickly thenumber will rise exponentially.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (31:10):
Right.
We know there are far more thatare not.
And I think it goes back to thepoint about.
One of my goals this year wasreally focusing on that pillar
of organizational sustainmentand growth, because we may have
the society, may haveaspirations of having several
hundred accredited centers andseveral thousand individuals
(31:33):
certified, but what is theorganizational capacity to be
able to meet that demand?
And I think, because the Societyfor Simulation Healthcare has
grown fast, as all of thesocieties have, as healthcare
simulation has become morewidely adapted, we need to
change the way we operate,because many of the resources
(31:57):
and tools that the society hasin place now were developed 10
years ago when our society was afraction of the size.
Our society was a fraction ofthe size, and so some of the
efforts this past year has beeninvestment in improving the
infrastructure and capacity ofthe Society for Simulation
Healthcare.
And I think one of the otherexciting well, for me it's
(32:20):
exciting developments this yearwill be the launch of a new
learning management system, newwebsite and a new administrative
management system that willreally transform our member user
experience, as well as theefficiency and effectiveness of
the SSH leadership and staff todeliver resources and programs
(32:41):
for its membership.
Deb Tauber (32:43):
When will the new website be revealed?
When will the new website berevealed?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (32:47):
The goal is , I think, there'll be a sneak
preview at the upcoming IMSH.
We're waiting for that meetingto conclude because so much of
the activities between now andthen are dedicated to create a
wonderful experience foreveryone attending that.
But the goal is going to be inearly 2025 will be the launch of
(33:12):
the new website and systemfollowing the IMSH.
Deb Tauber (33:16):
Very exciting news.
Now I'm going to follow up with.
What should our listeners belooking forward to at IMSH 2025?
What are you looking forward to?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (33:28):
I'm not looking forward to that.
It'll be the official end of mytenure, although it's been an
amazing year and the incomingpresident, jared Kutson, is
already so engaged in so many ofthese different projects that
we're going to be able to do thetransfer of our positions
without a hitch.
But I guess two big changes andnot changes, but new features
(33:52):
of the IMSA 2025, which will bethe 25th anniversary of the
annual meeting.
The first is a pre-conferenceforum.
It's called HealthcareSimulation 2050, building a
Better Future Together.
A forum.
It's going to take placeimmediately before the IMSH, two
days before, and the goal ofthe form is to explore and chart
(34:17):
the extensive impact thesimulationists will have on the
future of health professions,education, and so what we're
doing is it's going to be opento everyone.
If you go to the IMSH site,people can sign up.
But what we're doing is we'rereaching out and we're inviting
representatives from leadinghealthcare professional
societies and organizations towork together collaboratively to
(34:41):
come up with a vision of howthey feel that simulation can
best be used in each of thedifferent professional domains.
It'll be during the forum.
There'll be facilitators whowill lead small breakout
sessions with differentrepresentatives and leaders from
these different organizations.
There'll be ample opportunitiesto network over the two days, a
(35:03):
couple evening functions, andwe feel that this really takes
advantage of the role of societyfor simulation healthcare as
being an organization in thismeeting, an opportunity of
bringing in people fromdifferent professions, different
fields, different expertise tobe able to come together and
(35:23):
create a common vision and acommon action plan of how we
might chart healthcaresimulation over the next 25
years.
And that's available and peoplehave the opportunity of
attending the forum because weunderstand that many people, if
they're not in healthcaresimulation every day, they may
be a leader of a healthcareorganization or a professional
(35:44):
society.
They have the opportunity ofattending only the forum because
we know they're super busy.
The other two events are relatedto the main stage events that
occur on the two afternoons ofthe IMSH.
The two main days and these areone is something that I know
(36:05):
that you're well familiar with.
It's going to be a largescreening of the documentary the
Pitch, and I know the director,mike Eisenberg, was a recent
participant of your podcast andit was a wonderful podcast
describing his own personalexperience and his background
related to his previousdocumentary to To Err is Human,
(36:29):
a patient safety documentary andnow the pitch, which is really
going to be to discuss theevolving role of technology in
improving patient safety acrossmedicine.
So this will be a large forumfor people to view the
documentary and then afterwardsthere'll be an extended question
and answer session with a fullpanel that we're very happy to
(36:52):
include the film director andeditor, mike Eisenberg, as part
of that session and finally,absolutely we're very, very
excited about that.
And then the other main stageevent will be on looking at
artificial intelligence and itsrole of working with healthcare
simulation and qualityimprovement across health
(37:14):
systems.
We think this is going to be avery fascinating session, led by
Dr Teague at the University ofFlorida, who runs their
Artificial IntelligenceInstitute.
He'll discuss the impact ofartificial intelligence on
simulation and qualityimprovement and how they work
(37:35):
together in what we are callinglearning health systems.
So how can health systems beginto adapt, use data in real time
to better affect patientoutcomes and the quality of
healthcare?
His presentation will befollowed by a fireside chat with
(37:55):
other leaders within thesimulation, including past
president Mary Patterson.
And so we think, both becauseof the topic of artificial
intelligence, but even more so,how it can be used and leveraged
to improve the way healthcaresimulation can have an impact on
the delivery of healthcare.
We're very excited about thatsession as well.
Deb Tauber (38:17):
Yes, that does sound like a very interesting session
.
Now, in closing, are thereanything that you'd like our
listeners to know or to thinkabout, or to keep in mind?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (38:30):
I would just say that I first want to
thank you again for thisopportunity to be part of this
podcast.
I'm sure that we could talkabout many other topics and give
examples.
I always enjoy theseopportunities and appreciate
what you have done and yourcontribution to the healthcare
simulation community and beingan advocate and being a vehicle
(38:52):
to disseminate and bring peopletogether to be able to share
their stories.
I think for everyone out there,it's a very exciting time in
healthcare simulation.
There's always going to besomething new developed, because
the challenges are enormous,the opportunity to improve
healthcare is enormous, but Ithink, working together, what
(39:16):
I've always, when I describesimulation to those outside of
the field, is that simulation,healthcare simulation is a
unique place that bringstogether those who are
interested in education andtraining, those who are
interested in developing newinnovations and technology and
those whose goal is to deliverthe best healthcare possible,
(39:38):
and we sit right at the nexus ofthat.
And so I think, as we moveforward, think about not only
impacting those people with whomyou work every day within the
healthcare simulation space, butreaching out and sharing the
message with those who aren'tyet aware of the power of
healthcare simulation and howcan it make a difference, both
(40:02):
in education and training anddeveloping new technologies, but
, most importantly, of how itcan be used and leveraged to
deliver better, more effectiveand safer healthcare.
Deb Tauber (40:15):
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at IMSH.
We really appreciate your timeand your commitment to the
society your commitment to thesociety.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (40:32):
Thank you so much, Deb.
I feel that it's been both aprivilege and blessing to carry
out this role, and just want tothank everyone for everything
they do every day, because it ismaking an impact and together
we are saving lives.
Deb Tauber (40:43):
Thank you and happy simulating.
Thank you and happy simulating.
Disclaimer/Innovative Si (40:48):
Thanks to Innovative Sim Solutions for
sponsoring this week's podcast.
Innovative Sim Solutions willmake your plans for your next
Sim Center a reality.
Contact Deb Tauber and her teamtoday.
Thanks for joining us here atThe Sim Cafe.
(41:11):
We hope you enjoyed.
Visit us at www.
innovativesimsolutions.
com and be sure to hit that likeand subscribe button so you
never miss an episode.
Innovative Sim Solutions isyour one-stop shop for your
simulation needs.
A turnkey solution.
The views and opinions expressed in
this program are those of thespeakers and do not necessarily
reflect the opinions orpositions of anyone at
Innovative Sim Solutions or oursponsors.
This week's podcast issponsored by Innovative Sim
Solutions.
Are you interested in thejourney of simulation
accreditation?
Do you plan to design a newsimulation center or expand your
(00:24):
existing center?
What about taking your programto the next level?
Give Deb Tauber from InnovativeSim Solutions a call to support
you in all your simulationneeds.
With years of experience, Debcan coach your team to make your
simulation dreams becomereality.
Learn more at www.
innovativesimsolutions.
com or just reach out to DebContact today.
(00:48):
Welcome to The Sim Cafe, apodcast produced by the team at
Innovative Sim Solutions, editedby Shelly Houser.
Join our host, deb Tauber, andco-host Jerrod Jeffries, our
host Deb Tauber and co-hostJerrod Jeffries, as they sit
(01:08):
down with subject matter expertsfrom across the globe to
reimagine clinical education andthe use of simulation.
So pour yourself a cup ofrelaxation, sit back, tune in
and learn something new fromThe Sim Cafe.
Deb Tauber (01:30):
Welcome to another episode of The Sim Cafe and
welcome, Jerrod Jeffries.
Thank you for being here, andwe are very excited to have Dr
Barry Issenberg, who is thecurrent president of SSH at this
time.
Dr Issenberg, why don't currentpresident of SSH at this time?
Dr Issenberg, why don't youtell our listeners a little bit
(01:50):
about yourself and your journeyinto healthcare simulation and
how you became involved?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (01:52):
With SSH Sure, I'd be delighted, and
thank you again, Deb and Jerrod,for the opportunity to be part
of this podcast.
And so my journey intosimulation I actually happened
at a relatively young age, whenI was 14.
And this is going back to 1982.
My father had become ill and mymother had to go back to work.
She had previous experience infundraising for non-for-profits
(02:15):
and also worked in the TV andmedia, and the position that she
found available was at theUniversity of Miami, working
with Dr Michael Gordon, who bythat time had already
established a human patientsimulator called Harvey, and she
joined his unit in 1982.
Within a couple of days, shewould come home and tell me all
(02:37):
about it and said Barry, I thinkthis would be a wonderful place
.
It combines both your interestin technology as well as by that
time I think I knew I wanted togo into healthcare.
And so, beginning at the age of14, through middle school and
high school, I would volunteerat Michael Gordon's Medical
Training and SimulationLaboratory doing a range of
(02:58):
activities, from programmingearly databases to recording
heart sounds, which at that timewere on four-track tapes, and I
used my I guess you would callit talents as playing the piano
of having an ear for knowingwhere to splice four-track tapes
.
That expanded when I was amedical student at the
(03:20):
University of Miami, and so thiswas from the years 1990 to 1995
.
I was able to take a year offbetween my second and third year
and spend a full year immersingmyself at the medical training
and simulation laboratory, whereI really felt that that was
going to be my calling.
It combined my love foreducation and teaching, of
(03:42):
developing new technologies, allfor the purpose of applying to
prepare people to take bettercare of patients, and so I
continued to work in thelaboratory during medical school
and even during residency whenI was in Birmingham, and then
had the opportunity of joiningfull-time at the Medical
Training and SimulationLaboratory in 1998, when I
(04:04):
joined the faculty.
Deb Tauber (04:06):
Wow, that's quite a story, very, very interesting,
and you've really been insimulation for quite some time.
Yeah, now, as the currentpresident of SSH, what are your
key priorities and what changesdo you hope to bring during your
tenure developed a five-yearstrategic plan to really guide
the Society for Simulation inHealthcare as it reached its
20th anniversary moving itforward over the next five years
, now, as the current presidentof SSH, what are your key
priorities
Dr. Barry Issenberg (04:34):
and what changes do you hope to bring
during your tenure developed afive-year strategic plan to
really guide the Society forSimulation in Healthcare as it
reached its 20th anniversary ofmoving it forward over the next
five years.
I was fortunate to be part ofthat development process during
(04:55):
my incoming president-elect year, and we had both the presidents
and the board directors and thesenior executive leadership for
the society developed five mainstrategic pillars that would
guide all of the initiatives andthe projects that the society
are engaging, and those include,in the broad areas of education
(05:16):
and training, research andscholarship, advocacy,
credentialing, which includesboth accreditation and
certification of individuals,and then, overall, really the
foundation to support all ofthose activities are
organizational sustainment andgrowth, and one of the exciting
new initiatives related to thatpillar of organizational
(05:38):
sustainment and growth is a newprogram that was just announced
last week called the ASCENDprogram, and this is really for
the goal of identifying andnurturing the next generation of
simulation leaders who canadvance their careers and,
importantly, have all of thetools in place to support the
(05:59):
continued expansion and growthof healthcare simulation.
And so the ASCEND stands forAdvancing Simulation Careers and
Empowering Next GenerationDevelopment.
There's an application processthat's underway and the goal is
to identify young leaders, toteam them with mentors and,
(06:21):
during that year, mentors, andduring that year they'll have a
full range of mentorship,networking opportunities and
also to gain valuable insightsinto the Society for Simulation
and Healthcare Operations sothat they have an early
opportunity to help shape thefuture of healthcare simulation.
The program is open to allhealthcare simulationists from
(06:44):
the global community.
The program is open to allhealthcare simulationists from
the global community, includingstudents and residents, fellows,
junior faculty members,operations specialists,
educators, innovators and alsoindustry professionals, because
we feel the diversity of all ofthese talents and experiences
will only enrich the societymoving forward.
That's one of the excitinginitiatives that I'm proud that
(07:08):
the board of directors approvedand we have a strong team
leading that program this year.
Deb Tauber (07:13):
I think that's really exciting.
This is the first I've heardabout the Ascend program, but it
seems like it was recentlylaunched last week, and then
there'll be more visibilityaround it at IMSH in January 25.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (07:25):
That is true.
So we have a very rapid bothapplication process and review
process.
So at the IMSH 2025, we willannounce the inaugural cohort of
participants or individuals tobe part of the Ascend program.
Disclaimer/Innovative (07:41):
Wonderful .
Deb Tauber (07:42):
And Dr Issenberg, how would one become if
someone's interested?
How would they demonstratetheir interest and what is the
process?
And how many people will you beable to accept?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (07:52):
Great questions there is and what was
promoted last week anddisseminated last week as an
application process.
So there's a link to submit andthere's a small series of
questions about kind ofoutlining one's current
responsibilities and roles, whattheir aspirations are, and so
(08:12):
the goal the first year to beanywhere from six to 10
individuals as kind of a pilotprogram, and we hope to expand
that in future years.
But we want to make sure thisfirst year that we work out all
of the operational components ofthe program.
But to your specific question,we're looking to identify from
six to 10 individuals.
Deb Tauber (08:34):
Excellent.
Thank you so much.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (08:38):
I guess the other key area that supports
the pillar of organizationalsustainment and growth is the
successful launch last year ofthe SSH Fund and this year being
able SympVenture awards,increasing the number of Beverly
(09:09):
Anderson scholarships thatallow our international
colleagues to be able to attendthe IMSH, as well as the
CHAT-EPS lecture endowment.
And then some funds are beingsaved to help develop and grow a
more permanent endowment thatwe think that over time we'll be
able to even provide evenstronger support for these and
(09:30):
new initiatives that come onboard.
Deb Tauber (09:33):
Dr Issenberg, how would one, if one wanted to
apply for funding?
What would they?
What would the steps be aroundthem?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (09:40):
Great question.
On the website for the SSH FONthere is an area where people
can look for in any of thoseareas in research, simventure
Awards, Beverly AndersonScholarships, and so for the
research grants it would becontacting the research
committee and because they'rethe ones who review the
(10:02):
applications for considerationand then make the
recommendations ultimately tothe board.
Similarly, the SimVentureAwards is overseen by the
Technology Committee and theBeverly Anderson Scholarships is
overseen by both our Internaland External Relations Committee
, and so, while the board,working with the leaders of the
(10:23):
SSH fund, provide more of anoverall management or
stewardship of the fund, thespecific programs that are
identified are at the level ofour committees.
Deb Tauber (10:36):
That's a lot of things that have happened in the
last year for SSH, and whatrole do you see SSH playing in
shaping the future of healthcareglobally?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (11:08):
Society of Simulation in Europe is both the
creation and publicationdissemination of a consensus
statement on simulation-basedpractice that had input and
contributions from nearly 60simulation societies throughout
the world, in over 50 countries,and really it was an
opportunity to one outline thecurrent state of simulation
healthcare, identifying the needto overcome global healthcare
(11:32):
challenges and the role ofsimulation as a tool, being
mindful of the ethicalconsiderations related to the
safe and equitable and diverseuse of simulation, and then
coming up with a series ofrecommendations for simulation
best practice.
And then finally and this isrelated to our advocacy pillar
(11:52):
really a call for action forpolicymakers, healthcare
organization leaders, as well ashealth education institution
and simulations.
And so this publication has veryunique in this occasion that
has been published by all of thefour leading healthcare
simulation journals, and we feelthat, in addition to creating a
(12:15):
common blueprint across theglobal healthcare simulation
community, it provides resourcesand tools and talking points
for those who are engaged inhealthcare simulation every day,
to involve and reach out tothose who have a role in the
delivery of healthcare but maynot be involved in simulation on
(12:36):
a daily basis schools andprovosts, includes healthcare
leaders for large healthcaresystems, policymakers and those
in charge of providing fundingso that we have a common ground
and can speak with a moreunified voice, not only to those
within the healthcaresimulation community but more
(12:57):
broadly, because we feel if wedon't have a stronger
relationship to those who areultimately responsible for
delivering healthcare, thensimulation will not be able to
be realized to its maximum, tohave the impact that we feel it
can have and it has had in smallinstances.
But there's a long way to go.
Deb Tauber (13:19):
Thank, you, thank you.
Now can you share additionalexamples, like particularly the
impactful projects?
Something about the CISA work?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (13:29):
Oh sure, so the CISA, which stands for the
Commission for InternationalSimulation and Accreditation,
was a project that was reallycreated out of the SSH's
Accreditation Council, and itstarted with a research project
a few years ago where the goalwas to, of those many centers
(13:50):
that have already beenaccredited, determine their
perceived and actual return oninvestment for being an
accredited program.
The project did identify inmany instances where those
centers that were accreditedrealized a benefit.
It may have been expansion ofsimulation across their
enterprise, additional funding,increasing in scholarship,
(14:14):
increased recognition andincreased use of healthcare
simulation.
But one of the areas or biggaps that was identified that
only 15% of the currentlyaccredited programs among all of
them were international, and sothe council did a deeper dive
and they identified severalareas that limited or were
(14:36):
barriers for these internationalcenters from even considering
applying for accreditation.
And they included languagebarriers, because all of the
materials were in English.
The cost in terms of theapplication process itself, as
well as supporting reviewers tocome on site and we all know
it's expensive to travel, evendomestically, even more so when
(14:57):
it's international.
And then different culturalconsiderations.
Admittedly, many of theaccreditation guidelines are
very US or North Americancentric, and we understood from
the very beginning, there werecertain cultural identities
throughout the world and nuancesthat we had to better
(15:19):
appreciate before we could justsay set of guidelines, go ahead
and implement them in your localinstitution.
And so out of that was born thisidea of coming up with a
commission for internationalsimulation accreditation, one to
meet the growing demand butalso to help address these
different barriers that wereidentified.
(15:40):
And so the goal is to partnerwith affiliate global healthcare
simulation organizations and toenhance their accreditation
efforts in their geographicregion.
And so the partnershipidentifies and makes an
affiliate, what we're calling aninter-accrediting organization.
As part of this agreement,these organizations are provided
(16:05):
with the training materials andguidelines in their language to
accredit jointly with theirorganization and with SSH, to be
officially recognized with SSHaccreditation.
The first partnership that wasassigned a few months ago was
with the Society for Simulationin Mexico, and currently their
leaders are going through atraining process with the
Accreditation Council so thatthey have a cadre of reviewers
(16:30):
who can begin in early 2025.
We begin reviewing the firstseries of simulation centers in
Mexico who will be consideredfor accreditation.
Deb Tauber (16:42):
Yes, it's very exciting work and I know I serve
on the council and a lot ofwork went into that process and
we are looking forward to seeingwhat comes of it.
And we are looking forward toseeing what comes of it.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (16:58):
I think it will go a long way.
I think also it's somethingthat just takes time in some of
the other regions.
We take for granted that thehealthcare simulation within
North America and in many placesin Europe has reached a stage
of maturity, but it took 30 or40 years to get there and we
have to understand that some ofthese things just take an
(17:20):
evolution, a natural evolutionof time and growth.
But nonetheless, many of ourglobal affiliates are very
excited with this new programand this new opportunity and I
think, for many reasons, beingable to have the first partner,
the inaugural partner, with ourneighbors in Mexico in again
(17:41):
their native language of Spanish, will go a long way to
demonstrate what the potentialand what we hope to be the
impact of this new program.
Deb Tauber (17:50):
Right, Thank you very much.
Now what about virtual reality?
Is telehealth and virtualreality become more integrated
into medical training?
How do you think thesetechnologies are going to
influence healthcare andsimulation in the future?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (18:05):
Great topics.
I think they're repeatedly whenI'm asked to discuss what are
the new innovations coming about?
Telehealth, virtual reality,extended reality more broadly
and, of course, ai, which couldbe a whole other podcast, but
specifically with telehealth andvirtual reality, I think
there's many, many areas thatthey promise to enhance
(18:28):
healthcare simulation and evenexpand what was previously
capable.
Telehealth is able to connect,on the healthcare delivery side,
patients and healthcareproviders more directly, and,
while it was certainly usedleading up to 2020, the pandemic
demonstrated, based out ofnecessity, the role that
(18:50):
telehealth can have in breakingdown geographic and physical
barriers to link those who havea need with experts.
And so I think telehealthalready and will continue to
increase access to medical care,particularly in rural and
underserved areas, and we'vedemonstrated, both globally and
(19:12):
even within North America andthe United States, increasing
disparities in the level ofhealthcare between people who
live in rural areas and thosewho live in more urban areas.
That's even now.
There's data demonstratingsignificant differences in life
expectancy and morbidity forcertain conditions and, with
(19:33):
that, the connections created bytelehealth to help reduce those
disparities.
But telehealth can also be usedthe technology for what we call
tele or remote simulation,where some areas that need to
have training but don't haveaccess to the larger simulation
centers.
Using telehealth technology,those experts who are at some of
(19:57):
the larger centers can connectwith those in more remote or
rural areas to deliver eitherscientific expertise or
operational expertise ortechnical expertise, so that
there really isn't a significantdivide in the access for these
resources in those in lessresourced regions.
(20:18):
In one example, at theUniversity of Miami, which is in
a large urban city, we usetelehealth so that our faculty,
who are 10 miles away in aclinic, have to observe or need
to observe a student, either inan OSCE or in a simulation
scenario, and while 10 milesdoesn't seem that far in South
(20:40):
Florida traffic, it could be anhour and a half.
And so we're using thetelehealth capability and the
infrastructure to be able togive access to our faculty and
instructors to have remoteobservations of simulation, and
I think we're going to be seeingmore with that.
And then the virtual realitythe nature of it being a
(21:01):
digital-based delivery ofhealthcare settings opens up the
possibility of providing moretraining and more experiences.
Past three decades thatlearners have demonstrated their
preference for learning,experiential learning and
(21:22):
hands-on learning, engaging inrealistic hands-on scenarios
that approximate what they'regoing to see and experience in
real clinical settings.
But there are certainlimitations we all understand.
In addition to the cost ofphysical equipment, it's the
cost and time of human resourcesto be able to operate those
(21:44):
simulation centers.
Most of them aren't open 24-7.
And so, really, if we want toscale healthcare simulation more
broadly to train hundreds oflearners around the clock, I
think virtual reality and itsderivatives, or it's the
complementary technology ofvirtual reality, such as
augmented reality and mixedreality, will enable the
(22:07):
scalability and theaffordability of healthcare
simulation in a much moredramatic way.
Deb Tauber (22:13):
Yes, I very much agree.
I feel like the virtual realityand the telehealth during the
pandemic have just really openedup that field so exponentially
quickly and people are just.
It's just.
You can watch it every daychange and improve.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (22:33):
I would like to add on to the last part
related to virtual reality.
Like to add on to the last partrelated to virtual reality.
Many people want to engage init but they're not really sure
how to go about doing that.
And virtual reality, augmentedreality and mixed reality
they're a little bit differentthan the traditional types of
technologies that have so farbeen used in healthcare
(22:55):
simulation, and what I mean bythat is when the task trainers
and mannequins were beingdeveloped 20 and 30 years ago.
That technology was led for themost part by those in
healthcare or biomedicalengineers who work with those in
healthcare for a very specifichealthcare focus and purpose.
Most of the technology involvedin virtual reality and the other
(23:19):
forms related to virtualreality were not developed
within healthcare.
They're developed in many casesin the gaming industry or
entertainment industry, and sowhat we're struggling now is to
how to best use that technologyfor the purpose of meeting the
outcomes or goals that we havein healthcare education.
(23:40):
And one of the other projectsexciting collaborative projects
that I'm going to be involved inbetween now and leading up to
mid-November is working with ourpartners at Society for
Assimilation in Europe and CSAM.
They are convening an UtsteinSummit.
It's being supported by theLaredal Foundation.
(24:01):
The goal of the summit is toconvene through 30 healthcare
simulation experts from aroundthe world with the goal of
developing a paper andguidelines on the best use of
extended reality for healthcaresimulation, and to come up with
a three to four year researchplan so that those in healthcare
(24:26):
simulation have a little bitmore focused guidance on the use
of these new technologies andalso opportunities for research
and scholarship.
Deb Tauber (24:36):
That's very exciting news.
I'm sure that there's going tobe a lot of thought leaders
together coming up with somereal applications for how to use
virtual reality and someguidance around the field,
because I feel like it's kind oflike the Wild West out there
with virtual reality right now.
Everyone's using it in adifferent way, so it sounds like
(24:58):
you guys, leaders, are takingsome action to move things more
towards a shared mental model ofvirtual reality.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (25:09):
And we think there'll be.
The nature of the technologyitself lends itself more to
collaborative, multi-centerprojects, the fact that you can
connect through this technologyand physical boundaries really
now are less of a limitation.
We think there'll be many newexciting opportunities just
(25:32):
within the researchcollaborative space or even
within training collaborationson a level that just couldn't be
possible with more physicaltype.
Deb Tauber (25:43):
Yeah, we interviewed somebody from the VA, where
they're using virtual realitywith their patients, and the
patients are loving it.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (25:52):
It's just, you know, really exciting to see
where it's going and to see itsapplications to help people
patients engaging with this typeof technology, anything we can
(26:12):
do to empower them and to engagethem, for them to be, for
patients to be more part oftheir own healthcare delivery.
I think that's really anuntapped area of how we leverage
healthcare simulation,specifically VR, in teaching and
empowering the patientpopulation.
I think once we're able to dothat, we're going to see
dramatic changes in the outcomesof patients.
Deb Tauber (26:35):
Yes, I agree.
I agree, I'm going to jump backa little bit.
And what do you think about thecurrent state of accreditation
and certification for theSociety for Simulation and
Healthcare?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (26:46):
Well, to get to that question, I think in
terms of accreditation, firstof centers within the program,
the Society, it continues toexpand.
In this last round ofapplication I had close to 60
applications for centers, bothfor new accreditation and in
renewals.
Accreditation and renewals andI think, as simulation is
(27:12):
becoming more broadly adoptedacross the healthcare landscape
and being applied more broadlyto other health professions
beyond nursing and medicine,those leaders at these
institutions and health systemsare asking more deliberate
questions in terms of how thesesimulation centers are going to
(27:34):
demonstrate a greater return oninvestment in a shorter period
of time.
They've already bought in oragree that simulation can make a
difference.
They're going to make aninvestment in using simulation.
They want that investment tohave a return quickly.
And I think simulation centerswho go through an accreditation
process, who are able to applythe best practices from the very
(27:57):
beginning and to be able todemonstrate that in a way, not
just to the Society forSimulation Healthcare for
accreditation purposes, but moreimportantly as a tool for their
own accreditation related tothe accreditation professions or
in reporting to leaders, Ithink they're able to
(28:18):
demonstrate a greater valueproposition to those in
leadership positions thanperhaps centers who aren't
engaged in that process, becausethe benchmarks that you must be
able to demonstrate and reportare those that are more closely
aligned with the strategic andoperational benchmarks of the
(28:39):
large institutions.
Industry matures and isincreasingly being adopted.
The expectation from leaders,both in higher education and in
the healthcare delivery systems,are almost going to expect some
level of accreditation of acenter, because they understand
(29:02):
that that is associated with acertain level of best practices
and, to my earlier point, agreater return on investment.
That's on the accreditation side.
I think there's also a greaterappreciation, and those who have
been in the field for a longtime have known this.
We may not have communicated tothose who needed to hear it,
(29:24):
but I think there's arecognition.
If you're going to invest inthese centers, which are a
tremendous investment in termsof the space and the facilities,
the equipment, you need bothtalented and trained people to
be able to run and operate those.
And so I think, without havinga history of degrees within
(29:47):
simulation bachelor's degrees,associate art degrees or
master's degrees I think thecertification process enables,
in a short period of time, toupskill individuals who have
talents in many areas, enable tolearn about a simulation, learn
about the taxonomy, learn aboutbest practices and be able to
(30:07):
apply their skills in operations, in finance, in marketing, in
education, in communication,leverage all those and focus it
in a healthcare simulationcontext, and I think that's what
the certification programs add.
Deb Tauber (30:24):
Yes, people have a shared mental model and it makes
it easier when you haveindividuals that have been
certified to work towardsaccreditation.
There's many standards thatneed to be met during the
application process.
As you mentioned, almost 60,nearly 60 applications in 2024
(30:49):
that will be hopefullyrecognized in 2025 as accredited
programs.
I don't remember how many ofthem are reaccreditations and
how many are new, but it will beinteresting to see in the
future, if we have over 250centers that are currently
accredited, how quickly thenumber will rise exponentially.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (31:10):
Right.
We know there are far more thatare not.
And I think it goes back to thepoint about.
One of my goals this year wasreally focusing on that pillar
of organizational sustainmentand growth, because we may have
the society, may haveaspirations of having several
hundred accredited centers andseveral thousand individuals
(31:33):
certified, but what is theorganizational capacity to be
able to meet that demand?
And I think, because the Societyfor Simulation Healthcare has
grown fast, as all of thesocieties have, as healthcare
simulation has become morewidely adapted, we need to
change the way we operate,because many of the resources
(31:57):
and tools that the society hasin place now were developed 10
years ago when our society was afraction of the size.
Our society was a fraction ofthe size, and so some of the
efforts this past year has beeninvestment in improving the
infrastructure and capacity ofthe Society for Simulation
Healthcare.
And I think one of the otherexciting well, for me it's
(32:20):
exciting developments this yearwill be the launch of a new
learning management system, newwebsite and a new administrative
management system that willreally transform our member user
experience, as well as theefficiency and effectiveness of
the SSH leadership and staff todeliver resources and programs
(32:41):
for its membership.
Deb Tauber (32:43):
When will the new website be revealed?
When will the new website berevealed?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (32:47):
The goal is , I think, there'll be a sneak
preview at the upcoming IMSH.
We're waiting for that meetingto conclude because so much of
the activities between now andthen are dedicated to create a
wonderful experience foreveryone attending that.
But the goal is going to be inearly 2025 will be the launch of
(33:12):
the new website and systemfollowing the IMSH.
Deb Tauber (33:16):
Very exciting news.
Now I'm going to follow up with.
What should our listeners belooking forward to at IMSH 2025?
What are you looking forward to?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (33:28):
I'm not looking forward to that.
It'll be the official end of mytenure, although it's been an
amazing year and the incomingpresident, jared Kutson, is
already so engaged in so many ofthese different projects that
we're going to be able to do thetransfer of our positions
without a hitch.
But I guess two big changes andnot changes, but new features
(33:52):
of the IMSA 2025, which will bethe 25th anniversary of the
annual meeting.
The first is a pre-conferenceforum.
It's called HealthcareSimulation 2050, building a
Better Future Together.
A forum.
It's going to take placeimmediately before the IMSH, two
days before, and the goal ofthe form is to explore and chart
(34:17):
the extensive impact thesimulationists will have on the
future of health professions,education, and so what we're
doing is it's going to be opento everyone.
If you go to the IMSH site,people can sign up.
But what we're doing is we'rereaching out and we're inviting
representatives from leadinghealthcare professional
societies and organizations towork together collaboratively to
(34:41):
come up with a vision of howthey feel that simulation can
best be used in each of thedifferent professional domains.
It'll be during the forum.
There'll be facilitators whowill lead small breakout
sessions with differentrepresentatives and leaders from
these different organizations.
There'll be ample opportunitiesto network over the two days, a
(35:03):
couple evening functions, andwe feel that this really takes
advantage of the role of societyfor simulation healthcare as
being an organization in thismeeting, an opportunity of
bringing in people fromdifferent professions, different
fields, different expertise tobe able to come together and
(35:23):
create a common vision and acommon action plan of how we
might chart healthcaresimulation over the next 25
years.
And that's available and peoplehave the opportunity of
attending the forum because weunderstand that many people, if
they're not in healthcaresimulation every day, they may
be a leader of a healthcareorganization or a professional
(35:44):
society.
They have the opportunity ofattending only the forum because
we know they're super busy.
The other two events are relatedto the main stage events that
occur on the two afternoons ofthe IMSH.
The two main days and these areone is something that I know
(36:05):
that you're well familiar with.
It's going to be a largescreening of the documentary the
Pitch, and I know the director,mike Eisenberg, was a recent
participant of your podcast andit was a wonderful podcast
describing his own personalexperience and his background
related to his previousdocumentary to To Err is Human,
(36:29):
a patient safety documentary andnow the pitch, which is really
going to be to discuss theevolving role of technology in
improving patient safety acrossmedicine.
So this will be a large forumfor people to view the
documentary and then afterwardsthere'll be an extended question
and answer session with a fullpanel that we're very happy to
(36:52):
include the film director andeditor, mike Eisenberg, as part
of that session and finally,absolutely we're very, very
excited about that.
And then the other main stageevent will be on looking at
artificial intelligence and itsrole of working with healthcare
simulation and qualityimprovement across health
(37:14):
systems.
We think this is going to be avery fascinating session, led by
Dr Teague at the University ofFlorida, who runs their
Artificial IntelligenceInstitute.
He'll discuss the impact ofartificial intelligence on
simulation and qualityimprovement and how they work
(37:35):
together in what we are callinglearning health systems.
So how can health systems beginto adapt, use data in real time
to better affect patientoutcomes and the quality of
healthcare?
His presentation will befollowed by a fireside chat with
(37:55):
other leaders within thesimulation, including past
president Mary Patterson.
And so we think, both becauseof the topic of artificial
intelligence, but even more so,how it can be used and leveraged
to improve the way healthcaresimulation can have an impact on
the delivery of healthcare.
We're very excited about thatsession as well.
Deb Tauber (38:17):
Yes, that does sound like a very interesting session
.
Now, in closing, are thereanything that you'd like our
listeners to know or to thinkabout, or to keep in mind?
Dr. Barry Issenberg (38:30):
I would just say that I first want to
thank you again for thisopportunity to be part of this
podcast.
I'm sure that we could talkabout many other topics and give
examples.
I always enjoy theseopportunities and appreciate
what you have done and yourcontribution to the healthcare
simulation community and beingan advocate and being a vehicle
(38:52):
to disseminate and bring peopletogether to be able to share
their stories.
I think for everyone out there,it's a very exciting time in
healthcare simulation.
There's always going to besomething new developed, because
the challenges are enormous,the opportunity to improve
healthcare is enormous, but Ithink, working together, what
(39:16):
I've always, when I describesimulation to those outside of
the field, is that simulation,healthcare simulation is a
unique place that bringstogether those who are
interested in education andtraining, those who are
interested in developing newinnovations and technology and
those whose goal is to deliverthe best healthcare possible,
(39:38):
and we sit right at the nexus ofthat.
And so I think, as we moveforward, think about not only
impacting those people with whomyou work every day within the
healthcare simulation space, butreaching out and sharing the
message with those who aren'tyet aware of the power of
healthcare simulation and howcan it make a difference, both
(40:02):
in education and training anddeveloping new technologies, but
, most importantly, of how itcan be used and leveraged to
deliver better, more effectiveand safer healthcare.
Deb Tauber (40:15):
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at IMSH.
We really appreciate your timeand your commitment to the
society your commitment to thesociety.
Dr. Barry Issenberg (40:32):
Thank you so much, Deb.
I feel that it's been both aprivilege and blessing to carry
out this role, and just want tothank everyone for everything
they do every day, because it ismaking an impact and together
we are saving lives.
Deb Tauber (40:43):
Thank you and happy simulating.
Thank you and happy simulating.
Disclaimer/Innovative Si (40:48):
Thanks to Innovative Sim Solutions for
sponsoring this week's podcast.
Innovative Sim Solutions willmake your plans for your next
Sim Center a reality.
Contact Deb Tauber and her teamtoday.
Thanks for joining us here atThe Sim Cafe.
(41:11):
We hope you enjoyed.
Visit us at www.
innovativesimsolutions.
com and be sure to hit that likeand subscribe button so you
never miss an episode.
Innovative Sim Solutions isyour one-stop shop for your
simulation needs.
A turnkey solution.
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Therapy Gecko
An unlicensed lizard psychologist travels the universe talking to strangers about absolutely nothing. TO CALL THE GECKO: follow me on https://www.twitch.tv/lyleforever to get a notification for when I am taking calls. I am usually live Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays but lately a lot of other times too. I am a gecko.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.