Simulated learning for staff at a children’s hospice: a quality improvement project.

Why you should read this article: • To understand how simulation can create a safe environment conducive to deep and meaningful learning • To recognise the importance of enhancing the communication and clinical skills of children’s hospice staff • To learn about a quality improvement project conducted to test simulated learning at a children’s hospice. Simulated learning has well known positive effects but its use in palliative care education is limited. A quality improvement project was undertaken at a children’s hospice to develop and evaluate simulation workshops. The aim was to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of nurses and healthcare assistants in managing challenging situations commonly experienced when caring for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) model for improvement was used to test simulation workshops on a small scale using a post-workshop questionnaire and reflective diaries. Despite some initial anxiety, participants felt that the workshop had enhanced their confidence, knowledge and skills, particularly in relation to conducting challenging conversations. The project has provided insight and evidence to develop simulated learning at the children’s hospice and further afield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]