Focusing the ‘gaze’ on facilitators of simulation

Abstract

Much of the literature on the concept of simulation as a “safe container” is focused on creating safety for participants. However, recent research is starting to bring to light the vulnerabilities within the persons facilitating simulations. Facilitators operate in many different simulator contexts, each of which shapes their behaviours and in turn influences any specific concerns they may have for their simulation participants. Given the paucity of research in this area, this paper takes the approach of examining the facilitator from four different perspectives. The first concept is that of ‘novice to expert’ (Benner 1984) to help frame aspects of the learning curve commonly experienced by simulation facilitators. The second is that of the power relationships in operation throughout the life of a simulation. The third concept concerns the phenomenology of body memory (Fuchs 2012) and its potential to unexpectedly intrude on events. The fourth is the sociological concept of ‘the gaze,’ highlighting the social dynamics of control and the impact of the awareness of the self in context and in the act of seeing and being seen in operation in simulated contexts. Taken together, these concepts influence and shape facilitator performance and behaviour both consciously and unconsciously. In contrast to literature on the related concept of simulation as a safe container for promoting the safety of participants, the facilitator is conceptualised as a system actor also in need of attention to ensure they are well prepared, feel safe themselves and have access to robust backup systems and tools that provide relevant and timely guidelines for action. This paper examines each concept in turn, making links among them explicit, and exploring their role in the process of developing simulation specific facilitation skills.