Developing Simulated Patients for Online Simulation: Reflections on Actor Management and Scenario Adaptation

BackgroundMental health simulation provides an experiential and safe environment for healthcare professionals to develop skills through interactions with simulated patients played by professionally trained actors. This article aims to share learning and opportunities in developing actors for online mental health simulation.MethodsMaudsley Simulation, a South London based mental health simulation centre, have piloted a fully digital delivery model of online simulation training using simulated patients. This article presents the experience of Maudsley Learning's simulation faculty in managing actors to maintain fidelity in online deliveries of simulation training.ResultsThe transition to online simulation has presented different challenges for facilitators, actors, and technicians to maintain high-fidelity in simulated scenarios and promote the achievement of learning outcomes.ConclusionCareful adaptation of scenarios for digital delivery, advance testing of technology and actor spaces, and pre-briefing can be implemented to facilitate actor management in online simulation.