Consensus Recommendations for the Use of Simulation in Therapeutic Patient Education

Introduction Simulation is rarely used to help individuals with chronic diseases develop skills. The aim of the study was to provide recommendations for the use of simulation in therapeutic patient education (S-TPE). Methods Expert consensus was achieved with the participation of the following 3 groups of experts: (a) expert patients and caregivers; (b) health professionals specialized in therapeutic patient education (TPE); and (c) simulation experts. Each expert received a list of questions by e-mail in 3 iterations. The synthesis of the 2 first questionnaires resulted in 34 first recommendations voted during the consensus conference meeting. Each recommendation was subject to an extensive literature review. The quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations were assessed through the evaluation, development, and evaluation criteria categories (GRADE criteria). The third questionnaire selected and illustrated recommendations more specific to the use of S-TPE. Results At the end of the process, the experts identified 26 recommendations specific to the use of S-TPE. They proposed examples of skills in different diseases and stressed the importance of adapting the conditions of use (location, equipment, time of the care) to the circumstances of the patient learner and skills to be developed. Experts should exercise great caution as this technique presents ethical considerations related to patient care. Conclusions These recommendations underline the fact that simulation could bring added value to TPE. They provide a framework and examples for the experimental use of simulation in TPE. Research into feasibility and acceptability is needed.