In this joint Oxford University and NES study co-led by Dr Judy Wakeling and Prof Paul Bowie, the authors undertook a scoping review of published healthcare Simulation studies concerned with identifying and addressing latent safety threats to patients and the workforce. The study paid particular attention to the visibility in identified published articles of the application of systems theory in their design, implementation, and analysis. The research team concluded that Simulation is a valuable method for identifying latent safety threats, but inconsistent application of systems theory and variable methodological transparency limit learning and generalisability. Future research should make theoretical underpinnings explicit, define terminology clearly, and align simulation design with both educational and organisational improvement goals.
The use of healthcare simulation to identify and address latent safety threats: a scoping review
