Simulation-based education is changing healthcare training and clinical risk reduction globally, and the Brazilian Simulation Society stands at the forefront of this transformation in Brazil. Under the leadership of José Generoso, the Society has advanced simulation practices, improved medical training, and contributed to global initiatives like the Global Consensus Statement on Simulation-Based Practice in Healthcare. Despite challenges such as regional disparities and resource limitations, the Society continues to promote simulation through collaborations with educational institutions and innovative simulation technologies. In this interview, Generoso shares his vision for equitable access to simulation, its impact on rural healthcare, and the future of healthcare education in Brazil.
José Roberto Generoso Jr
President of the Brazilian Simulation Society, Assistant Professor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
In recent years, simulation-based education has become a key tool for enhancing healthcare training and reducing clinical risk worldwide. Brazil, through the efforts of the Brazilian Simulation Society, has made significant strides in adopting this methodology. Under the leadership of José Generoso, the Society has been a crucial player in advancing simulation practices and contributing to international initiatives like the Global Consensus Statement on Simulation-Based Practice in Healthcare. In this interview, we discuss the impact of simulation on medical education in Brazil, the ongoing challenges, and the vision for the future of healthcare training in the country.
Welcome Jose! Thank you for accepting our invitation. In this column we would like to offer our readers insights from those who govern and lead scientific simulation societies. Therefore, let us not waste time!
What inspired the founding of the Brazilian Simulation Society, and how has its role evolved in the country’s healthcare education landscape?
The Brazilian Simulation Society was founded to address the critical need for enhanced healthcare training through simulation. Inspired by international advances in educational methodologies, it aimed to foster a collaborative environment for educators and practitioners. Over the years, the Society has evolved into a pivotal entity in Brazil’s healthcare education, promoting simulations that enhance clinical skills, teamwork, and patient safety. It has become a key player in standardizing simulation practices across institutions, thereby improving the overall quality of healthcare education in the country.
Two years ago we published an article on the situation of simulation in Latin America, but now how would you describe the current state of simulation-based education in Brazil, particularly within healthcare training?
Simulation-based education in Brazil has significantly matured, with increased adoption across medical schools and healthcare training programs. There is a growing recognition of its effectiveness in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Institutions now integrate simulations into curricula to prepare students for real-life scenarios, enhancing their clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. However, there remains a need for further resources and trained personnel to fully realize the potential of simulation across all regions, especially in rural areas.
What are some of the unique challenges Brazil faces in implementing simulation across healthcare institutions and universities?
Brazil faces several challenges in implementing simulation, including regional disparities in resources and infrastructure. Many institutions lack access to simulation equipment and trained facilitators. Additionally, there is often insufficient funding and support for integrating simulation into existing curricula. Cultural resistance to new teaching methods can also hinder progress, as some educators may prefer traditional approaches over innovative simulation techniques. Addressing these challenges is essential for widespread adoption and success.
How does the Brazilian Simulation Society collaborate with educational institutions and healthcare organizations to promote simulation in medical training?
The Brazilian Simulation Society actively collaborates with educational institutions and healthcare organizations by providing resources, training workshops, and networking opportunities. It organizes conferences and seminars to share knowledge and best practices, fostering a community of educators dedicated to simulation.
In your opinion, how is simulation impacting the way healthcare professionals in Brazil are trained, especially in rural or underserved areas?
Simulation is transforming healthcare training in Brazil, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to clinical experience may be limited. It allows healthcare professionals to practice skills in a safe environment, enhancing their confidence and competence. Simulation-based training also facilitates the dissemination of critical knowledge and techniques, ensuring that even those in remote locations can receive high-quality education. This approach helps bridge the gap in healthcare delivery, improving outcomes in vulnerable populations.
What role do you see for simulation in the certification and ongoing education of Brazilian healthcare professionals, particularly in fields like surgery?
Simulation plays a crucial role in the certification and ongoing education of healthcare professionals in Brazil. For surgical training, it provides a controlled environment for practitioners to refine their techniques and decision-making skills without risk to patients. As certification processes increasingly incorporate simulation assessments, healthcare professionals can demonstrate their competencies more effectively. Continuous education through simulation also allows practitioners to stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies, ensuring they provide the highest standard of care.
What innovations in simulation technology do you believe could have the most significant impact on Brazil’s healthcare education in the coming years?
Innovations such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) hold great potential for transforming healthcare education in Brazil. These technologies can provide immersive training experiences, allowing learners to engage with complex clinical scenarios in real-time. Additionally, advancements in haptic feedback devices can enhance the realism of surgical simulations, improving skill acquisition. Integrating artificial intelligence into simulations could also personalize learning experiences, tailoring scenarios to individual learner needs, thus optimizing educational outcomes.
How does the Brazilian Simulation Society engage with international simulation communities to bring global best practices into the Brazilian context?
The Brazilian Simulation Society actively engages with international simulation communities through collaborations, conferences, and research initiatives. By participating in global forums, it brings back best practices and innovative methodologies to the Brazilian context.
The Brazilian Simulation Society contributed to the Global Consensus Statement on Simulation-Based Practice in Healthcare. How do you now plan to spread its endorsement among Brazilian health institutions and universities?
To spread the endorsement of the Global Consensus Statement, the Brazilian Simulation Society will organize informational campaigns, and collaborate with key opinion leaders and influencers in the medical field, we will raise awareness about the importance of the statement. Additionally, integrating its principles into existing training programs and curricula will help institutionalize these practices, ensuring a broader acceptance and commitment to simulation-based education.
Looking to the future, what are your hopes for the growth of simulation in Brazilian healthcare education, and what steps are needed to achieve this vision?
My hopes for the growth of simulation in Brazilian healthcare education include its widespread adoption across all levels of healthcare training, ensuring equitable access to quality education. To achieve this vision, we must secure funding for resources, enhance faculty training, and establish clear guidelines for curriculum integration. Building partnerships with governmental and private sectors to support infrastructure development is also essential. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, we can significantly improve the quality of healthcare education in Brazil.
Thank you, Jose, for your valuable insights. It will be exciting to see how your work continues to influence the future of healthcare education both locally and globally.
LEGGI ANCHE
