THE PULSE: New SSH Accreditation Focus: Human Simulation

Since its inception, more than 290 programs worldwide have earned the distinction of SSH Accreditation, making SSH the world’s largest healthcare simulation accrediting body. 

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As the upcoming July 15 application submission deadline approaches, we are excited to accept applications in our newest area of Program Accreditation: Human Simulation.

Over the past 15 years, SSH Accreditation standards have been validated. However, our goal remains to lead the field in defining excellence in healthcare simulation programs. In reviewing gaps across our existing areas of accreditation, we identified common threads of adult learning theory connecting Human Simulation to our Teaching/Education and Assessment standards. That said, we also recognized that unique policies, procedures, and educational applications set Human Simulation apart.

Specifically, the complexity of training and managing a Standardized Patient (SP) program was not fully addressed in previous standards. Therefore, it was determined it was essential to develop a new set of standards focused entirely on Human Simulation.

Using best practices from the field, SSH created the first iteration of Human Simulation standards and piloted them with three currently SSH Accredited Programs. Insights from those participants helped us refine the standards and create a companion guide for future applicants. This spring, we conducted a second pilot phase with five additional SSH Accredited Programs.

The pilot phases highlighted the outstanding work of SP educators, directors, and trainers managing these accredited programs. We extend our gratitude to the following programs for their contributions:

• Carolinas Simulation Center
• David and JoAnn Shaw Simulation Training & Education for Patient Safety (WV STEPS)
• Des Moines University Simulation Center
• Michigan State University Learning and Assessment Center
• Ross University School of Medicine
• The Simulation Center at Fairbanks Hall
• University of Tennessee’s Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation (CHIPS)
• USF Health Simulation Consortium

The SSH Accreditation Program Reviewer Subcommittee has partnered with the Human Simulation Standards Development Team to implement reviewer training for all SSH Accreditation Program Reviewers. We are thrilled to open the application cycle in July 2025 to any program seeking to include Human Simulation in their Full, Provisional, or Mid-Cycle application.

We welcome your program to join us on this new, exciting accreditation journey.

Sincerely,

Kristyn Gadlage
SSH Director of Accreditation