Advancing Virtual Simulation in Education: Administrators' Experiences

BackgroundHigher education healthcare administrators are under increasing pressure to find quality clinical placements and there is a critical need to look beyond traditional ways of preparing students for practice. Virtual simulation is a rapidly emerging tool for learning within healthcare education. Administrators are just starting to learn how to manage its integration into curricula.MethodsEleven healthcare administrators from seven institutions of higher education, colleges and universities were interviewed in this qualitative study to understand their needs, challenges, and recommendations regarding virtual simulation integration. These administrators were testing and integrating virtual simulations provided through the Virtu-WIL program, a pan-Canadian, work-integrated learning experience that developed and tested health care virtual simulations.ResultsFour themes were derived from the data: Driving forces, Impact of VS on learning process and outcomes, Collaboration and Coordination, and Sustainability. In addition, administrators recommended several different strategies to support the implementation of virtual simulation. These included faculty support, collaboration between schools and institutions and sustainability initiatives.ConclusionAdministrators are integral to successful VS adoption; therefore, they need to effectively manage its integration in the curriculum.