Integration and Outcomes of a Hybrid Simulation for Simple Laceration Suturing

Abstract

Emergency and immediate care skills are often difficult to practice in real time during clinical education. One immediate care skill requiring advanced training that may not be implemented during clinical education is wound closure via suturing. Simple laceration management with sutures can be advantageous skill for athletic training students to learn and practice; however, deliberate practice with feedback in a realistic manner is necessitated. To describe the use of hybrid simulation to practice suturing in professional and postprofessional athletic training programs. The practice of immediate and emergency skills is predominately classroom based and removes the patient experience. Simulation-based learning has provided athletic training educators an opportunity for skill practice with patient simulators and standardized patients to fill the gap. The hybrid simulation incorporates the use of a standardized live patient actor with an attached part-task–training simulated arm for suturing in a safe and realistic manner. Incorporating a hybrid simulation encounter for practice of suturing skills requires multitasking and delivery of patient-centered care and promotes proper skill execution while receiving questions and direct feedback from the standardized patient. Suturing should be taught and assessed in a tiered format using part-task trainers such as pig skin and artificial skin pads. After skill development, a hybrid simulation as a summative assessment allows for the educator to evaluate the learners' interpersonal communication and technical skills in a safe manner.