Developing a program, a curriculum, a scenario

Simulation in obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine is an educational tool that can be employed to address local and national learning objectives for residents and fellows. Simulation may also be incorporated as part of a comprehensive patient safety program to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our objective is to identify steps in designing an effective simulation program, curricula, and scenario using available evidence and drawing on experience. Identification of needs, leadership, and financial and logistic resources is the first step in program design. An appropriate curriculum may be crafted with the intended audience and clear learning objectives in mind. Simulation scenario design is best achieved in a stepwise, layered fashion and must incorporate time for debriefing, feedback, and didactics. Simulation programs of any size, budget, and scope can be successfully implemented at the local, regional, and national levels to enhance education and improve patient safety.