We knew the 24^th International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare here in San Diego, was going to be a record-setter - and it was with nearly 4,300 attendees! 

But, friends, let me tell you, we didn’t know another record would be provided by Mother Nature.

It was reported on Monday that San Diego received 2.67 inches of rain in a six-hour period - with even higher amounts in the region. It led to some incredible, unplanned, logistical challenges for the event, but thanks to amazing, real-time decision-making by leadership and plan execution by several team working together, IMSH was able to thrive! It truly was a place for attendees to learn how to Innovate. Disseminate. Educate. and Advocate.

In the final plenary session Wednesday morning, they were challenged to do those things when they return to their simulation programs. I want to share that challenge with you also.

From the video (Watch the FULL highlight video here!):

Your challenge is to Innovate. Think big. Be creative. Be courageous and try new things. Develop new simulation scenarios and exercises that reflect best practices. Explore new technologies that can be used to enhance simulation training. Experiment with new teaching and learning methods.

Your challenge is to Disseminate. Share your ideas and your expertise with others through presentations, publications, and workshops. Help others to learn and grow. Mentor and coach new and other simulation professionals.

Your challenge is to Educate. Teach others about the benefits of healthcare simulation through presentations, workshops, and online courses. Help to build a more educated and informed healthcare workforce. Develop and share educational materials about simulation for patients and families.

Your challenge is to Advocate. Speak up about the importance of healthcare simulation to policymakers, healthcare administrators, and the public. Get involved in SSH professional organizations that support healthcare simulation. Advocate for funding for healthcare simulation research and development. Be a champion for the field.

As we wrap IMSH 2024, make IDEAs a reality in the coming year. Do that, and you help our healthcare simulation industry take that next step forward in its pursuit of improving patient care and safety.

I think it’s amazing challenge, and I can’t wait to see what you all do in 2024 so we can continue to shape and share SSH’s story together.

CORRECTION

One final note from IMSH, in the Tuesday issue of IMSH Daily, page 4, you may have read that a new Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist Blueprint Reference Manual has arrived. That information was incorrect. We apologize for the confusion.

Curtis Kitchen, CAE
SSH Director of Marketing