What is ISDR?
The International Simulation Data Registry (ISDR) was first launched in 2014 to provide a centralized, standardized repository for data collected during healthcare simulation-based education (SBME) sessions. It offered simulation centers a way to benchmark performance, track quality improvement, and support multi-institutional research and translational studies.
Why ISDR 2.0?
Although the original ISDR gained early momentum with 27 participating sites, progress was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, a strategic partnership between the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and the University of Toledo revitalized the effort, launching ISDR 2.0, a more powerful, scalable, and modernized platform. ISDR 2.0 integrates with the PREPARE system (developed at the University of Toledo), a novel multimodal assessment platform that collects and synchronizes diverse data types (video, audio, performance scores, surveys, physiological metrics) in real-time. These updates allow ISDR to move beyond retrospective data entry and toward real-time, instructor-driven, multimodal data collection.
Key Features of ISDR 2.0
- Standardized Curriculum and Scenario Design
- Real-Time Instructor-Level Assessment with time-stamped performance metrics
- Benchmarking Across Centers and Learners
- Customizable Pre/Post Assessments and Feedback Mechanisms
- In the future: Multimodal Data Collection (e.g., physiological data, NLP event capture)
How ISDR 2.0 Advances Simulation Practice
ISDR 2.0 addresses longstanding simulation challenges, such as:
- Variability in performance metrics across institutions
- Limited infrastructure for collecting longitudinal simulation data
- Lack of standardization in scenario design and performance evaluation
- Difficulty linking simulation-based learning to real-world clinical outcomes
Through its structured dataset and technology integrations, ISDR 2.0 aims to facilitate:
- Evidence-based simulation training
- Standardized performance benchmarks
- Personalized learner feedback
- Longitudinal tracking of simulation impact
- AI-ready datasets to inform predictive modeling
IRB and Ethical Participation Requirements
Because ISDR involves the sharing and analyzing learner and session-level data across institutions, IRB (Institutional Review Board) or ethics board approval is required for participation. Each site is responsible for securing its own approval before contributing data.
The ISDR team will provide a template protocol and guidance to streamline this process.
Getting Involved
ISDR 2.0 will begin with a pilot launch across select simulation centers and then be rolled out widely. If you're a simulation educator, researcher, or center director interested in participating, benchmarking, or collaborating on multi-site research, we invite you to connect with us.
Contact:
Key References
Calhoun AW, Nadkarni V, Venegas-Borsellino C, White ML, Kurrek M. Concepts for the simulation community: Development of the International Simulation Data Registry. Simulation in Healthcare, 13(6), 427–434. https://doi.org/10.1097/SIH.0000000000000311
Calhoun Aaron, Pappada Scott, Toy Serkan, Spooner Michael. 'The International Simulation Data Registry: Harnessing the Standardized Data'. SIMZINE May 29, 2024. Issue n. 14. https://simzine.news/experience-en/the-international-simulation-data-registry-harnessing-the-standardized-data/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.69079/simzine.H24.n14.00011
University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. PREPARE Platform Overview. (2024). https://www.utoledo.edu/med/research/prepare
Pappada S, Owais MH, Aouthmany S, Schneiderman J, Toy S, Schiavi A, Miller C, Guris RD, Papadimos T, Rega P. Personalizing simulation-based medical education: the case for novel learning management systems. Int J Healthc Simul. 2022 Nov;10. https://doi.org/10.54531/mngy8113