Research

Carolinas Simulation Center’s research team conducts both basic and applied research using a variety of techniques. Our team has access to a variety of clinical subspecialties and patient care settings. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to advance research in simulation, education, and patient safety. Currently, our research focus is on evaluating and improving communication and engagement in simulation education.

Interested in initiating a research project involving simulation?
We would love to hear from you.

Please complete the Research Request Form to tell us more about what you’re interested in researching. The Research Team will review the completed form and reach out to schedule an initial meeting. If you have any questions, you can contact the Research Manager, Stephanie Loomer, at  Stephanie.Loomer@AtriumHealth.org.

Research Initiatives Spotlight

Clinical Interviewing Skills (CIS) of Residents throughout Objective Structured Clinical Reviews (OSCRs)

Family Medicine Faculty Allison Bickett, PhD, MS recognized an opportunity to utilize Family Medicine residents’ Objective Structured Clinical Reviews (OSCRs) as a platform to explore potential barriers to effective physician-patient communication. Post-graduate years (PGY) 1 through 3 residents will complete OSCRs, which includes in-person simulated scenarios with simulated patients (SPs) followed by video review of the encounter and a didactic session with faculty. Residents, SPs, and faculty will complete surveys meant to assess communication skills throughout the OSCRs. Results will be compared to examine differences between resident self-perceived communication, faculty and SP reported communication skills of the residents, and changes in resident skills throughout and across PGYs. Results of this study may be used in evaluation of residency programs’ curriculum and as a reference to identify areas of improvement.

Improvement of Debriefing Sessions After Simulation Experiences: The Systematic Approach for Nurse Debriefing (StAND) Tool

Nurse Educators Patricia Campbell, MSN, RN and Jennifer Noble, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CEN, CHSE created the Systematic Approach for Nurse Debriefing (StAND) tool with the purpose of providing generalizable and simple guidance for improving the quality of post-scenario debriefs. The StAND tool will be globally available for facilitators in a nursing program to use during debriefing sessions. The hope is to improve facilitator confidence in debriefing sessions, better engage learners, and improve the overall quality of debriefing sessions for all participants. Improving the quality of debrief sessions may have a direct impact on future engagement in simulation and enhance learner understanding and knowledge takeaways.

If you are interested in implementing this tool at your simulation center, please reach out to Stephanie Loomer at Stephanie.Loomer@AtriumHealth.org to learn more.

Upcoming Research Events

Our Simulation Brown Bag Series is an opportunity for others to learn about Simulation and Research, and a place for professionals across a variety of specialties to share ideas and network with one another.

Our next Simulation Brown Bag is scheduled for Thursday, February 3 from noon to 1 p.m. Stacy Capel from Carolinas Simulation Center will be presenting “Safety in the Process of Healthcare Simulation.” If you are interested in attending this virtual event, please RSVP by emailing Stephanie Loomer at Stephanie.Loomer@AtriumHealth.org.