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. 2020 Aug 18;20(1):274.
doi: 10.1186/s12909-020-02190-6.

Simulation via instant messaging-Birmingham advance (SIMBA) model helped improve clinicians' confidence to manage cases in diabetes and endocrinology

Eka Melson  1   2 , Meri Davitadze  3   4 , Manal Aftab  2 , Cai Ying Ng  5 , Emma Ooi  5 , Parisha Blaggan  6 , Wentin Chen  6 , Thia Hanania  6 , Lucretia Thomas  6 , Dengyi Zhou  6 , Joht Singh Chandan  7 , Latha Senthil  2 , Wiebke Arlt  1   2 , Sailesh Sankar  8 , John Ayuk  2 , Muhammad Ali Karamat  8 , Punith Kempegowda  9   10
Affiliations

Simulation via instant messaging-Birmingham advance (SIMBA) model helped improve clinicians' confidence to manage cases in diabetes and endocrinology

Eka Melson et al. BMC Med Educ. .

Abstract

Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has been increasingly used in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical training curricula. The aim of Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is to create a simple virtual learning environment to improve trainees' self-reported confidence in diabetes and Endocrinology.

Methods: This study was done as part of the continuous professional development for Health Education England West Midlands speciality trainees in diabetes and Endocrinology. Standardized transcripts of anonymized real-life endocrinology (endocrine session) and diabetes cases (diabetes session) were used in the simulation model. Trainees interacted with moderators through WhatsApp® in this model. All cases were then discussed in detail by a consultant endocrinologist with reference to local, national and international guidelines. Trainee acceptance rate and improvement in their self-reported confidence levels post-simulation were assessed.

Results: 70.8% (n = 17/24) and 75% (n = 18/24) strongly agreed the simulation session accommodated their personal learning style and the session was engaging. 66.7% (n = 16/24) strongly felt that the simulation was worth their time. In the endocrine session, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence in the management of craniopharyngioma (p = 0.0179) and acromegaly (p = 0.0025). There was a trend towards improved confidence levels to manage Cushing's disease and macroprolactinoma. In diabetes session, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence to interpret continuous glucose monitor readings (p = 0.01). There was a trend towards improvement for managing monogenic diabetes, hypoglycaemic unawareness and interpreting Libre readings. Overall, there was a significant improvement in trainees' confidence in managing cases that were discussed post-simulation.

Conclusion: SIMBA is an effective learning model to improve trainees' confidence to manage various diabetes and endocrine case scenarios. More sessions with a variety of other speciality case scenarios are needed to further assess SIMBA's effectiveness and application in other areas of medical training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
SIMBA protocol
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Instructions provided pre-simulation
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Illustration of changes in confidence levels for managing simulated (a) and non-simulated endocrine cases (b). *p < 0.05
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Illustration of changes in confidence levels for managing simulated (a) vs. non-simulated diabetes cases (b). *p < 0.05
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Illustration of changes in confidence levels for managing simulated vs. non-simulated cases. *p < 0.05
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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