Fulltext

Simulation via instant messaging-Birmingham advance (SIMBA) model helped improve clinicians' confidence to manage cases in diabetes and endocrinology

Melson E 1 , Davitadze M 2 , Aftab M 3 , Ng CY 4 , Ooi E 4 , Blaggan P 5 Show all authors , Chen W 5 , Hanania T 5 , Thomas L 5 , Zhou D 5 , Chandan JS 6 , Senthil L 3 , Arlt W 1 , Sankar S 7 , Ayuk J 3 , Karamat MA 7 , Kempegowda P 8

Affiliations 

  • 1 Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
  • 2 Clinic "Cardio", Tbilisi, Georgia
  • 3 University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
  • 4 RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus, George Town, Malaysia
  • 5 University of Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham, UK
  • 6 Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
  • 7 Diabetes and Endocrinology Specialist Training Committee, Health Education West Midlands, Birmingham, UK
  • 8 Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. p.kempegowda@bham.ac.uk
BMC Med Educ, 2020 Aug 18;20(1):274.
PMID: 32811488 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02190-6

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been increasingly used in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training curricula. The aim of Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is to create a simple virtual learning environment to improve trainees' self-reported confidence in diabetes and Endocrinology.

METHODS: This study was done as part of the continuous professional development for Health Education England West Midlands speciality trainees in diabetes and Endocrinology. Standardized transcripts of anonymized real-life endocrinology (endocrine session) and diabetes cases (diabetes session) were used in the simulation model. Trainees interacted with moderators through WhatsApp® in this model. All cases were then discussed in detail by a consultant endocrinologist with reference to local, national and international guidelines. Trainee acceptance rate and improvement in their self-reported confidence levels post-simulation were assessed.

RESULTS: 70.8% (n = 17/24) and 75% (n = 18/24) strongly agreed the simulation session accommodated their personal learning style and the session was engaging. 66.7% (n = 16/24) strongly felt that the simulation was worth their time. In the endocrine session, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence in the management of craniopharyngioma (p = 0.0179) and acromegaly (p = 0.0025). There was a trend towards improved confidence levels to manage Cushing's disease and macroprolactinoma. In diabetes session, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence to interpret continuous glucose monitor readings (p = 0.01). There was a trend towards improvement for managing monogenic diabetes, hypoglycaemic unawareness and interpreting Libre readings. Overall, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence in managing cases that were discussed post-simulation.

CONCLUSION: SIMBA is an effective learning model to improve trainees' confidence to manage various diabetes and endocrine case scenarios. More sessions with a variety of other speciality case scenarios are needed to further assess SIMBA's effectiveness and application in other areas of medical training.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

MeSH terms
Similar publications