Title: A proficiency-based progression simulation programme improves ISBAR performance compared to standard training. A randomised control trial.

Investigating team: Dorothy Breen and Anthony Gallagher.

Background: The first successful simulation validation study used a proficiency-based progression methodology. Since then the approach has been successfully deployed to produce superior technical skills but has not yet been validated for non-technical (communication) skills. The ISBAR (Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation) has been selected as the standardised tool for clinical communication in relation to an acutely deteriorating patient in many healthcare organisations worldwide, including Ireland.

The aim of this study is to explore whether proficiency-based progression (PBP) could be applied to simulation-based training for ISBAR performance to produce a superior skill set.

The study will compare performance outcomes of students, who receive the national e-learning programme only with those who receive it in combination with either standard simulation or proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation training for ISBAR (Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication in the deteriorating patient.

Current status: In press BMJ Open