The 5-stage approach: a simulation-based education framework

Successful integration of simulation into a healthcare curriculum presents significant opportunities to enhance quality, delivery and impact of education in healthcare training programmes. The 5-stage approach is a pedagogical framework that allows a gradual increase in cognitive load while building confidence and competence in a real-world ‘simmersive’ context. The five stages are theoretical learning, facilitated practical (task training), simulation consolidation (facilitated simulation), simulation days (remote facilitation) and live professional practice (such as clinical practice). The integration of skills and simulation using this framework moves away from ‘task training’ and incorporates simulation earlier. Underpinned by sound pedagogical theory, the framework is sustainable by virtue of its flexibility and can be adapted to suit the needs of a wide variety of subject areas wishing to embed simulation learning in a curriculum.