Introduction: Simulation-based training has emerged as a vital component of healthcare education. This study aims to characterize Portuguese simulation centers concerning their geographic distribution and key features, providing stakeholders with valuable insights to inform strategic decisions.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted over two years (2021-2023) to investigate the geographical dispersion and characteristics of simulation centers in Portugal. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze data.
Results: Twenty-three Portuguese simulation centers were included. Major urban areas and coastal regions bring together 20 simulation centers (86.96%). A large percentage (71.93%) of centers were affiliated with academic institutions, while five centers (21.74%) were clinically affiliated. Emergency care, Anesthesiology and Intensive Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gynecology and Obstetrics were identified as the national key areas of intervention.
Discussion: Significant geographical disparity raises concerns about unequal access to professional training opportunities using simulation. Centers should be encouraged to incorporate developing technologies and innovative pedagogical methodologies and to expand their training repertoire into relatively uncharted territories.
Conclusion: Several issues have been identified within the national simulation network. Stakeholders and policymakers should prioritize equitable access, bolster the prevalence of clinical affiliated centers, foster innovation, and facilitate strategic coordination.
Keywords: education and training; healthcare simulation; national policy; simulation research; simulation-based-education.
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