Baycrest

Simulating a client-caregiver interaction through role-playing is being used as an educational tool to give nurses and other healthcare providers the opportunity to practise and enhance their skills. This year, nursing educators collaborated with the Centre for Education's Training & Simulation team to develop brief scenarios based on real situations that occur on units at Baycrest. They chose Responsive Behaviours – such as yelling, hitting, punching, kicking or refusing care – as a workshop topic for a Clinical Skills Day designed to support staff in their continuing professional development. Participants were paired up with one playing the healthcare provider and one playing the client. Following a briefing and some practice, they acted out their scenarios for the group, for example: a resident is trying to leave a locked unit and the healthcare provider has to apply non- pharmacological strategies, such as distraction or redirection, to get the resident away from the door safely. The group then debriefed and offered suggestions on alternative ways of interacting. "The increased use of simulations helps provide participants with more experiential learning opportunities. Evaluations indicate that both participants and facilitators are enthusiastic about this more 'hands-on' team-learning format," according to Clinical Educator Roxana Nagra and Calen Freeman, Manager & Professional Practice Chief, Nursing. "We continue to integrate simulation in innovative ways into learning for our interprofessional teams so that staff can practise strategies, learn about new tools and trial techniques that enhance the quality of life and care of our Baycrest clients." Role-playing aids in educational learning 3

• Cover