A National Position Paper for the Strategic Development of Health Care Simulation in Italy.

BACKGROUND

Simulation-based education is an essential tool in modern health care, enhancing technical, behavioral, and decision-making skills while improving patient safety and clinical outcomes. In Italy, health care simulation has developed over the past 2 decades, with multiple scientific societies and educational initiatives promoting its use. However, the absence of national data and standardized educational frameworks presents a barrier to its widespread adoption. Recognizing these challenges, the Italian Ministry of Health convened a panel of experts to establish a strategic framework for simulation in health care, aiming to standardize methodologies, promote quality assurance, and foster collaboration across institutions.

METHODS

The panel, composed of experts in health care simulation, clinical practice, and risk management, conducted a series of telematic meetings from April 2022 to July 2022. A consensus-driven approach was adopted to review existing literature, identify key areas for development, and formulate practical recommendations.

RESULTS

Key recommendations include: establishing a national registry of simulation programs, defining accreditation criteria for simulation-based education, standardizing professional competencies for simulation educators, integrating simulation into health care curricula and continuous professional development, developing national standards for simulation-based training in new technologies and clinical procedures, utilizing simulation in public health preparedness and emergency response planning, promoting research funding and inter-institutional collaborations.

CONCLUSION

This position paper provides a strategic roadmap for standardizing simulation-based education across the Italian health care system. By establishing national standards and fostering collaboration, simulation can significantly improve patient safety, care quality, and health care system resilience.