Evaluating the Impact of In-Situ Simulation on Interprofessional Healthcare Team Training

NCT07346937 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: In-Situ Simulation
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 108
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

Clinical simulation has established itself as an essential methodology in healthcare training, enabling the development of technical and non-technical skills in controlled and safe environments. This study proposes a randomized trial that compares the impact of two learning contexts-a simulation center and the in situ simulation (ISS) environment in the operating room-on the training of interprofessional teams. The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of each context in the acquisition and performance of technical and non-technical skills, as well as participants' perceptions of realism, teamwork, and patient safety. The randomized experimental design reinforces the methodological rigor and internal validity of the results, allowing the identification of important differences between the two approaches. The scarcity of studies on interprofessional simulation in a real clinical context underscores the relevance of this research, which may provide scientific evidence to guide training policies and promote safer, more collaborative practices. It is expected that the results will contribute to improving interprofessional training programs and supporting the systematic integration of ISS in the healthcare field, especially in high-complexity environments.

Conditions

in Situ Simulation; Simulation in Training Center

Keywords

In Situ Simulation; Simulation Center; Interprofessional Team Training

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Simulation Effectiveness (SET-M)

  Measured with Simulation Effectiveness Tool - Modified (SET-M). SET-M is a 19-item tool with a three-point Likert scale that measures effectiveness by capturing student feedback on three domains. The higher the score, the more effective the simulation training.

  Immediately after the simulation session (Day 1)

• Simulation Effectiveness (ICCAS)

  Measured with the Interprofessional Collaborative Competencies Attainment Survey (ICCAS). ICCAS is a 20-item self-report tool with a seven-point Likert scale that evaluates the participants' competencies in six dimensions before and after the simulation. Participants complete the tool after simulation training, but rate their abilities twice: once as they recall them before training, and after that training is done. The higher the score, the more effective the simulation training.

  Immediately after the simulation session (Day 1)

• Simulation Design Evaluation

  Evaluated using Simulation Design Scale (SDS) - Student version. SDS is a 20-item tool with a five-point Likert scale designed to evaluate five design features of instructor-developed simulations. The instrument has two parts: the presence of specific features in the simulation and the importance of those features to the learner. The higher the score, the higher the evaluation of the design feature.

  Immediately after the simulation session (Day 1)

• Simulation Debriefing Assessment

  Measured with the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) Short version for students and for instructors. DASH for students has students evaluating the instructors in 6 elements with a seven-point Likert scale, while DASH for instructors is a self-assessment tool with the same structure. The higher the score, the higher the debriefing skill.

  Immediately after the simulation session (Day 1)

Study Arms (2)

In Situ Simulation

EXPERIMENTAL

Half of the teams will carry out the scenario in an in-situ context, at the ULS Matosinhos - Pedro Hispano Hospital (ULSM-HPH).

Other: In Situ Simulation

Simulation Center

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Half of the teams will carry out the scenario in a Simulation Center context, at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (SIMFMUP).

Other: Simulation Center

Interventions

In Situ Simulation OTHER

Simulation scenario carried out in situ. The training team will consist of 3 facilitators (who will always be the same throughout the study), with each scenario having only 2 facilitators and the principal investigator. Each group will be subjected to the same simulation scenario, the process of which is approximately 60 minutes, divided into: Briefing - 10 min; Scenario Development - 15 minutes; Debriefing - 30/35 min.

In Situ Simulation

Simulation Center OTHER

Simulation scenario carried out in the Simulation Center. The training team will consist of 3 facilitators (who will always be the same throughout the study), with each scenario having only 2 facilitators and the principal investigator. Each group will be subjected to the same simulation scenario, the process of which is approximately 60 minutes, divided into: Briefing - 10 min; Scenario Development - 15 minutes; Debriefing - 30/35 min.

Simulation Center

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Professionals working in the surgical center of ULSM-HPH with at least 6 months of experience in the role.
• Availability to participate in the simulation group assigned to them.

You may not qualify if:

• Professionals who do not work in the surgical center.
• Participants who cannot complete all phases of the study due to scheduling or health restrictions.
• Pregnant professionals.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universidade do Porto: lead
• Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto: collaborator
• Centro de Simulação da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto: collaborator
• Hospital Pedro Hispano, ULS Matosinhos: collaborator

Study Sites (2)

ULS Matosinhos - Hospital Pedro Hispano

Matosinhos Municipality, 4464-513, Portugal

Location

Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto

Porto, 4200-319, Portugal

Location

Study Officials

• Maria do Céu F Campos

  Universidade do Porto

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Janete Santos, PhD

CONTACT

+351 220 426 569; investigaclinica@med.up.pt

Maria do Céu F Campos

CONTACT

mariaceucampos@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 10, 2025
• First Posted: January 16, 2026
• Study Start: February 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 31, 2026
• Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Locations

PT (2)