Healthcare simulation
Healthcare simulation is a modern method to train healthcare professionals. Simulation can be used to improve performance to lead to better patient outcomes and safer care.
Simulation provides opportunities for standardised clinical experiences and offers a safe environment to learn and practice safely. Simulation is useful for learning as an individual or within a team and can be used for mastering practical or technical procedures and non-technical skills, such as communication and leadership. Simulation supports human factors approaches to improving the quality of care.
The vision for simulation in Ireland is that it will transform healthcare, empowering all healthcare professions to provide safe, effective, patient-centred care that meets the evolving needs of healthcare organisations. Modern simulation, when carefully co-designed, supports competence in the individual, performance in the inter-professional team and a culture of safety and quality improvement in healthcare organisations.
Demonstrated outcomes that improve the quality of care include decreased infection rates through focused instruction for central line insertion, lowered occurrences of perinatal asphyxia and neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) following team training for obstetric emergencies, and improved survival rates during cardiac arrests using a rapid cycle deliberate practice. Simulation is both an educational intervention and a diagnostic tool that can be used for exploring and understanding complex healthcare systems to identify areas of improvement, potential risks and emerging issues.
Simulation technology and methodologies continue to advance, providing opportunities for innovation and research within healthcare. Healthcare simulation can be used to study new treatments, test novel technologies and evaluate care delivery models. These advancements can lead to improved patient outcomes by introducing evidence-based practices and driving continuous improvement in healthcare.
About us
The National Simulation Office (NSO) facilitates, supports and provides leadership to a collaborative group who will inform the shared strategic priorities for the office.
The vision of the NSO is for the transformation of healthcare through simulation, empowering all healthcare providers to deliver improved care that is safe, effective and patient centred, and meets the evolving needs of healthcare services.
The NSO’s mission is to embed valued and sustainable high-quality simulation activities in healthcare organisations that support the development of competence in the individual, high performance in the inter-professional team and an organisational culture of patient safety and quality improvement.
The creation of the NSO follows the report The Implementation of Simulation on Clinical Sites: A National Strategic Guide, launched by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly in March 2022. This report made recommendations for the development of sustainable high-quality simulation activities to support improved healthcare delivery. The NSO will play a crucial role in promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals and academics who are using simulation in healthcare institutions and simulation centres. By developing a community of practice, the NSO will serve as a platform for sharing best practices. The NSO will prioritise faculty development and simulation education.
National Simulation Fellowship for Health and Social Care Professionals
The HSE National Simulation Office (NSO) is offering an exciting Fellowship opportunity for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) across Ireland. This Fellowship is designed to build leadership capacity in simulation-based education (SBE), supporting the integration of simulation into clinical practice and education.
Fellows will work alongside local and national experts, gaining hands-on experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating simulation programs. Through structured learning, mentorship, and collaboration with key stakeholders - including the HSE, academic institutions, and clinical partners - Fellows will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence in healthcare training.
Application Process:
Interested candidates must apply using the online application portal and upload:
- A current CV
- A cover letter outlining their interest and suitability for the role
Application Deadline:
All applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday, 24 March 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For further information, please contact the National Simulation Office at sim.office@hse.ie.
Join us in shaping the future of healthcare education!
Job Description and Applicant Brief
NSO Simulation Innovation Fund (NATION2)
Applications are now open for NSO Simulation Innovation Fund (NATION)2.
The National Simulation Office (NSO) in collaboration with the Spark Innovation Program and the HSE Climate Action and Sustainability Office, is proud to announce the launch of NATION2, a funding call for projects that aim to ensure sustainable healthcare simulation for the future. This initiative supports innovative and impactful approaches to simulation-based education (SBE) that align with key sustainability principles.
This innovation offers funding of up to €20,000 for successful project applications that are aligned with any of the 3 domains of responsibility.
- Social Sustainability: Ensuring equitable access and inclusivity in simulation-based education to build resilient healthcare communities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Minimising ecological impacts through resource efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible procurement.
- Governance Sustainability: Promoting transparent, ethical, and accountable management to ensure long-term viability of simulation programs.
The closing date for applications is 12noon, Monday 24th February 2025.
This initiative is open to HSE and Section 38, Higher Education Institutions and Post Graduate Training Bodies.
Send your applications to National Simulation Office and learn more about how applying for NATION funding can help you to input into the advancement of simulation in healthcare!
For any queries regarding the application, contact sim.office@hse.ie
NATION2 Guidance Document (PDF, size 760 KB, 4 pages)
Contact us
Professor Dara Byrne, National Clinical Lead for Simulation, National Simulation Office.
Resources
National strategic guide for the implementation of simulation on clinical sites (PDF, 2.89MB, 88 Pages)
