Simulation-based learning for patient safety: the development of the Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation methodology for nursing education

Background: Since the ground-breaking report ‘To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health Care System’ was published nearly two decades ago, patient safety has become an international healthcare priority. Universities are charged with the responsibility of preparing the future nursing workforce to practise in accordance with relevant patient safety standards. Consequently, simulation-based learning is increasingly used for developing the technical and non-technical skills graduates require to provide safe patient care.

Aim: Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation is a pragmatic group-based approach that enhances nursing students’ knowledge and skills in the provision of safe patient care. The aim of this paper is to describe the Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation methodology and illustrate its key features with reference to a medication safety scenario.

Methods: Informed by the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards and the Patient Safety Competency Framework for Nursing Students, Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation methodology actively engage large numbers of nursing students in critical conversations around every day clinical encounters which can compromise patient safety.

Conclusions: Tag Team Patient Safety Simulation is a novel simulation methodology that enhances nursing students’ skills and knowledge, fosters critical conversations, and has the potential to enhance students’ resilience and capacity to speak up for safe patient care.