Proactive Policy Planning for Unexpected Student Distress During Simulation

Abstract

Stress reactions resulting from participation in simulation scenarios are seldom reported in the literature but are often informally discussed by simulation faculty seeking guidance to manage the occurrences. Although simulation faculty members often describe events where a single learner’s distress interrupted learning for all involved, no examples of policies to plan for this kind of occurrence are available in the simulation literature. This article offers suggested best practices for identifying and assisting students who exhibit uncontrolled stress in simulation and includes a sample policy for planning.