We are in the process of building our simulation program which includes buying more equipment. There are many good reasons for collecting data on the use of simulation, with one of them being showing ROI when presenting a proposal for new equipment. We have not been collecting any data or our simulation usage and therefore need to create a simulation logbook. I have searched the internet and am unable to find any examples of a logbook and am wondering what other people are doing to log their simulation usage data.

[Kelly Hogeland Elrod]

We have faculty to complete a simulation request form for dates and times per classes and we know that NUR113 always has 8 students per session, NUR114 has 6 and NUR211 has 4. We transfer the request onto a calendar and then multiply the number of offers times the amount of students and run time which is always 2 hours.

I hope this helps. It is not the best way but does provide some data.

[Michelle Wright]

Hi Kelly, thank you for your response. I am thinking of doing a excel spreadsheet as I want a little more data such as modality, learner type etc as I work for a healthcare organization.

[Teresa Gore]

Michelle, I have a template Excel Spreadsheet that I have used in the past for undergraduate BSN, Accelerated BSN, and multiple graduate (NP, CRNA, and DNP) programs. I would probably choose to use a Google Sheet or Dropbox or One Drive so the Sim personnel could update each day. The key is to keep it easy and quick. We took each course taught in the curriculum and which simulations and skills labs they conducted. This gave us the usage of the lab that supported hiring additional personnel. Dawn Downing presented a wonderful webinar “Behind the Scenes with Data: The Unsung Hero of Healthcare Simulation” for HealthySimulation.com ( https://www.healthysimulation.com/webinars/how-to-use-healthcare-simulation-data/ ) with a lot of great ideas and practical application. Hopefully, this is helpful. You can email me at teresa@healthysimulation.com .

healthysimulation.com

Behind the Scenes with Data: The Unsung Hero of Healthcare Simulation | HealthySimulation.com

Abstract: This CE presentation will delve into the critical role of data collection and analysis in enhancing healthcare simulation programs. The presentation highlights various clinical simulation metrics that can be captured, and as well discusses methods for utilizing these metrics … Continue reading

[Billie Lund]

We do something similar to what Kelly posted. I compiled a Needs Assessment worksheet for my discussions with the programs. Then the information is transferred onto the simulation calendar which is retained for documentation. Lastly, when you multiply the number of simulations by the students and the length of each simulation, you will get usage time. I run 3 hours in the ADN program and 4 hours in the PN program. Hope this provides a bit of guidance.

[Michelle Wright]

Hi Billie, yes, it does. I can use computing method you mentioned for the simulations that are run routinely.

[Erin Carn-Bennett]

Hi everyone! I wrote an article about a productivity report that I created that may be useful in this instance. The link is here:

https://www.healthysimulation.com/clinical-simulation-program-visibility/

healthysimulation.com

How to Increase Clinical Simulation Program Visibility | HealthySimulation.com

Visibility of productivity in a healthcare simulation program is a great way to increase awareness and return on investment to faculty and institutional leadership. By marketing a clinical simulation program, teams can better demonstrate educational outcomes and opportunities to all … Continue reading

[Michelle Wright]

Hi Erin, I will definitely look into the suggestions you have provided. I really like the idea of using an infographic idea as it visually appealing to the reader.

Michelle

[Erin Carn-Bennett]

Hi Michelle, yes the infographic is definitely great and impactful. I would recommend really considering what kind of data it is that you are wanting to capture and also what you are wanting to achieve. Chat gbt may help with this! (or your executives etc) Even on the free canva accounts if you search infographic reports, so great options appear that you can easily populate. Can also add photos etc. Have found that having somewhere easy to capture data after sessions etc that is central and visable helps you remember to do so, so that you can complete the report at the end of the month. You could also even do them weekly or for specific courses also. Hope this is helpful! Look forward to hearing how you get on. Cheers, Erin

[Teresa Gore]

Michelle, I have a template Excel Spreadsheet that I have used in the past for undergraduate BSN, Accelerated BSN, and multiple graduate (NP, CRNA, and DNP) programs. I would probably choose to use a Google Sheet or Dropbox or One Drive so the Sim personnel could update each day. The key is to keep it easy and quick. We took each course taught in the curriculum and which simulations and skills labs they conducted. This gave us the usage of the lab that supported hiring additional personnel. Dawn Downing presented a wonderful webinar “Behind the Scenes with Data: The Unsung Hero of Healthcare Simulation” for HealthySimulation.com ( https://www.healthysimulation.com/webinars/how-to-use-healthcare-simulation-data/ ) with a lot of great ideas and practical application. Hopefully, this is helpful. You can email me at teresa@healthysimulation.com .

healthysimulation.com

Behind the Scenes with Data: The Unsung Hero of Healthcare Simulation | HealthySimulation.com

Abstract: This CE presentation will delve into the critical role of data collection and analysis in enhancing healthcare simulation programs. The presentation highlights various clinical simulation metrics that can be captured, and as well discusses methods for utilizing these metrics … Continue reading