How to Present a Healthcare Simulation Workshop at Conference
Presentation of a healthcare simulation workshop at a conference requires a set of skills that differs from a regular clinical simulation based education experience. Without experience and consideration by the clinical simulation educator the thought of a workshop at a clinical simulation conference can be a daunting concept. This article by Erin Carn-Bennett, RN, MSN will discuss considerations for planning and delivery of a clinical simulation based workshop in this environment.
How to Prepare to Present a Workshop at a Healthcare Simulation Conference
Allowance for adequate time for preparation of a workshop at a clinical simulation conference is essential. There are a number of steps prior to delivery of a workshop that will assist to ensure that the workshop is a success. These steps in an ideal world should not be cut short and will increase the likeliness of a clinical simulation workshop which is a success.
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There is usually somewhat of a time gap between an abstract which has been applied for at a conference and then an acceptance letter. Therefore, when an acceptance letter is received and the time has come to design a workshop, be sure to revisit the abstract which was originally put in for the conference. Some, but not all workshop participants will read the conference abstract and so ideally the workshop should remain based around this abstract, though at times content delivery may need to be altered due to developments in practice and research.
Next, as with any or most healthcare simulation based education scenarios or educational experiences, clear learning objectives will increase the likeliness of both a successful workshop and also increased participant engagement. To be clear about what will be obtained from the workshop will also assist to develop the workshop content with these at the center. When unsure as to what content to include or not in the workshop, a constant revision of the learning objectives will answer this question for those who develop the workshop.
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Know the Audience That Will Attend the Clinical Simulation Workshop
There is use to review and also know the audience that the workshop will be presented to at a conference also. The workshop and content can then be framed around the predominant areas of specialities. Examples that are used within the workshop should also be framed around the predominant participant speciality as well as to meet predominant learner needs and increase engagement. Prior to departure for the conference check in with organizers as to how many participants have signed up for the workshop and also ensure that there is enough resource if required for this number. Also be sure to allow for additional unplanned participants as well.
Adult learners want to know the plan for any healthcare simulation based education experience and attendance to a workshop at a conference is no different. Lay out the road map and plan of the workshop to keep the attendees engaged and interested. Examples of items to include in the workshop road map include what type of activities will be included, how many and how long that each activity will take.
The healthcare simulation community loves to network and a clinical simulation workshop is no different. Provide the attendees with a vessel for this connection to occur. Connection, story and wisdom shared from a variety of different work environments allows participants to land the jackpot in terms of depth to their learning if the workshop is laid out well.
Put the Workshop Attendees into Action!
Healthcare simulation workshops means having the attendees do the work. Remember that a workshop is not a didactic method where the presenter talks to a slide deck the whole time. A slide deck can be a part of the workshop but should not be the entire presentation method. The best part of a clinical simulation workshop as a presenter is that often participants can give incredibly insightful discussion and ideas that can also inspire work that will continue on after the workshop delivery.
Have the healthcare simulation team team in the organization test out the workshop and be able to give honest feedback to improve the workshop. Sometimes as a presenter the content can seem to make a lot of sense yet until the workshop is undertaken by some participants there can be some subtle and not obvious tweaks that can be made to improve the workshop exponentially. The process to present to colleagues can be affirming that the workshop is ready for delivery or that more work is still required to polish the performance.
A clear roadmap and timetable will assist a lot as a presenter to stay on schedule and to meet the needs of workshop participants. Have a copy of the workshop timetable close to the presenter as well as a watch or access to a phone with access to a timer. This can assist to stay on schedule and not go over time allotted. Make the slide deck aesthetically pleasing with pictures and not too many words. Have notes with prompts for each slide of critical information but don’t rely on them. Speak to the unique experience of the workshop through an individual lens and trust the process. Give as many resources as able in a google drive at the commencement of the workshop via a QR code. Be sure to include contact information for the presenters and also their social media handles.
A useful format to follow can be generalized slide deck presentation, followed by a small group activity, large group discussion and then circle back to more didactic presentation with examples that relate back to the presenters organization on the topic which is being presented on. This strategy can assist to keep the audience engaged with small group work, interest in broader discussion and then reinforcement of what has been discussed with examples from the presenter of the workshop. Some workshops may include examples of clinical simulation scenarios delivered in a public environment. Be mindful and strategic in how psychological safety of the clinical simulation participants is maintained through this process.
This article has discussed the preparation and delivery of a healthcare simulation workshop at a conference. A workshop presentation is very different to a slide deck didactic style powerpoint presentation. With careful consideration and plans a clinical simulation workshop can be an incredibly powerful experience not only for the participants but also for the presenter too.
How to Develop an Amazing Healthcare Simulation Presentation
Erin Carn-Bennett is a Simulation Nurse Educator for the Douglas Starship Simulation Programme in Auckland, New Zealand. Carn-Bennett has her Masters of Nursing and has an extensive nursing career within pediatric emergency and also nursing management. She is passionate about debriefing and all things simulation. Carn-Bennett is a member of the IPSS board of directors. Carn-Bennett is the lead host of the podcast Sim Nurse NZ.
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