Using immersive simulation to enhance preparedness for challenging and dynamic roles: experiences of UK Defence General Practitioners

This article describes the Academic Department of Military General Practice's experiences of the Defence Medical Services General Practice Specialist Training operational preparedness training programme, which culminates in an immersive simulation exercise. Our premise is that additional training is required to close the delta between the civilian GP training pathway and the military operational role on completion of training. Specifically, effective preparatory training optimises a clinicians' performance, while safeguarding their mental and physical health, thereby improving patient outcomes. A key focus has been to facilitate the development of a personal growth mindset in response to adversity, and in so doing contribute to workforce resilience and enduring mission success.The course has been developed using feedback from the General Practice Specialist Trainees, simulated patients and an external independent observers. We present a consolidated educational approach to medical operational preparedness training, through experiential learning. We believe that many of the lessons identified from adopting this approach are transferrable to the Defence educational and training community, our international partner forces and wider civilian humanitarian medical providers. We have concentrated on co-creating an immersive educational environment that utilises a formative assessment approach, capitalising on emergent learning opportunities provided by contemporary operations.