Use of clinical simulation to train healthcare teams in conflict management: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: To assess and analyze the impact of clinical simulation as a training tool in healthcare teams ability to resolve and manage conflicts, through an exploratory systematic review.

Methods: A structured literature review was performed with the terms clinical simulation OR patientsimulation OR simulation training OR high fidelity simulation training AND conflict OR conflict resolution in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane, Scielo, PubMed, CINHAL, ScienceDirect, MEDES, IBECS and DOCUMED. Articles were considered if they involved clinical simulation oriented to training of healthcare professionals or trainees in conflict management, using clinical scenarios, and excluding those studies older than 20 years. Absence of debriefing was not considered an exclusion criterion, neither the use of simulation along with other methodologies. A quantitative analysis was performed.

Results: 10 articles were retrieved, mostly with quasi-experimental designs, in which clinical simulation was designed as an interprofessional training and was used with multiple other methodologies like roleplay, reflexive practice and audiovisual aids, strategy that suggest an increase its effectivity. Different scenarios have been recreated, like decision-making divergences and management of medical errors, in order to apply the competences of mediation, communication, emotional skills among others, and followed by debriefing. The use of validated scales and conventional assessment methods reveal a positive impact on satisfaction, perception and learning of students, as well as transfer to clinical practice and decrease in errors.

Conclusion: Multiple studies describe and support the use of clinical simulation for training in management and resolution of conflicts among healthcare professionals. Simulation is accepted by participants, developing transfer of skills and competences and impact at the organizational level. Nonetheless, studies are recent and limited in number, making this area a developing field that promotes future research.

Keywords: Clinical simulation; Conflict management; Educación interprofesional; Entrenamiento de equipos; Interprofessional education; Manejo de conflictos; Simulación clínica; Team training.