Perception of simulation training in emergencies for dental sedation practitioners

Background Simulation education is an important part of health care education and training. There is growing evidence to support the usefulness of simulation, especially in training for infrequently occurring situations, such as medical emergencies seen by dental practitioners. There are, however, few data on the longer term effects of simulation, including usefulness, relevance, emotional effect and ability to affect changes to daily practice. Methods Dentists and dental nurses who had undergone simulation training in medical emergencies for dental sedation practitioners undertook a semi-structured interview about their perception of the simulation experience. They explored recollection of the experience and its emotional weight, perception of usefulness and relevance, specific learning outcomes and changes to practice prompted by the simulation session. Results Participants reported finding the simulation sessions worthwhile, realistic, challenging and almost universally emotionally positive. In situ simulation training was particularly well received, both in terms of realism, as well as identifying system flaws in emergency drugs and equipment. Participants reported gaining both increased clinical knowledge and human factors skills, which were reflected in subsequent changes to their practice. Discussion Our results support the usefulness and applicability of simulation education to training in medical emergencies for dental sedation practitioners. In particular, specific benefits reported from in situ sessions and in human factors concepts will prompt us to review the structure of our teaching to maximise the benefit to participants