Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41625796›Full record

ArticleCureus2025

Developing and Validating a Competency Framework for Non-clinical Simulation Operations Specialists.

Anjali Jagannathan, Refka Al-Bayati, Krystina M Clarke, Julia Micallef, Timothy Willett, Nick Wattie, Adam Dubrowski

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Anjali JagannathanHealth Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, CAN.
Refka Al-BayatiHealth Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, CAN.
Krystina M ClarkeHealth Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, CAN.
Julia MicallefHealth Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, CAN.
Timothy WillettMedical Education and Simulation, Simulation Canada, Ottawa, CAN.
Nick WattieHealth Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, CAN.
Adam DubrowskiHealth Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, CAN.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSimulation-based education (SBE) is essential for developing and maintaining clinical skills, yet its effectiveness is partially contingent on simulation operations specialists (SOS) who provide technical, pedagogical, and safety support. Traditionally, SOS roles have been filled by clinicians, but healthcare workforce shortages have prompted simulation centres to rely on informal, on-the-job pathways to train non-clinicians as SOS. This approach has raised concerns regarding workforce readiness and highlights the absence of structured training pathways. To address this gap, we developed and validated a competency framework explicitly tailored to entry-level, non-clinical SOS to inform the development of structured training pathways.

methodsA mixed-methods design guided by participatory action research (PAR) was used to guide this work. This study followed Batt et al.'s six-step model to develop and validate the competency framework. Methods included a narrative review, artificial intelligence (AI)-supported competency generation, semi-structured interviews, a card-sorting exercise, survey-based validation, and focus groups.  Results: This study produced a validated competency framework for non-clinical SOS training consisting of 36 competencies across three technical pillars: (i) Simulation Technology (SIMTECH); (ii) Educational Principles (EDUPRI); and (iii) Safety (SAFE), plus a General Competencies (GEN) pillar aligned with transferable knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs).  Conclusion: This study provides the first validated competency framework tailored for entry-level, non-clinical SOS, grounded in both theory and real-world perspectives. The final framework offers a foundation for curriculum developers, employers, and certification bodies, and informs the development of accessible training pathways for non-clinicians entering the simulation operations field.

Indexed as

competency-based educationcompetency frameworkhealthcare simulationsimulation-based educationsimulation operations specialist

Identifiers

PMID41625796
PMCPMC12854786

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.