Spearheading Simulation in a Middle-Income Country: An International Collaboration

Abstract

Background: Faculty members in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are seeking to develop simulation centers with fewer resources. The aim of this study was to describe an effective approach to build capacity and facilitate the incorporation of simulation into the curriculum of a nursing program in a middle-income country. Method: A team of expert faculty members from the United States visited Jamaica to provide a train-the-trainer simulation workshop. Results: Innovative and engaging strategies were used to foster faculty member development including codevelopment of simulations, implementation of simulation, codebriefing experiences, and curriculum development. Conclusion: Boards of nursing in LMICs are hesitant to accept simulation as the majority of evidence supporting simulation has been conducted in high-income countries. To influence policy, faculty members are urged to conduct more simulation research in LMICs to establish an evidence base. Collaborations of nurse faculty members involving high-, middle-, and low-income countries are recommended to further the science of simulation worldwide.