Factors associated with participation in simulation-based training

INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based training is used to prepare healthcare professionals for clinical situations in a structured environment. However, participation varies depending on personal, professional and institutional factors. This study aimed to identify factors associated with participation to inform inclusive training programme designs. METHODS: We analysed longitudinal data from 1,825 healthcare professionals across eight paediatric departments in two Danish regions over 15 months. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between simulation participation and factors such as age, gender, profession, experience, hospital type, sick leave, and patient safety culture. RESULTS: Doctors were more likely to participate than nurses (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0; 2.1), and staff at regional hospitals were much more likely to participate than staff at university hospitals (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 3.6; 6.2). Age, experience, sick leave, and safety culture dimensions showed trends, but none were statistically significant. Gender was not associated with participation. CONCLUSIONS: Professional roles and institutional context may influence simulation participation. Tailored strategies targeting nurses, early-career professionals, and university hospital staff may help increase participation and support sustained training efforts. FUNDING: The Elsass Foundation and the Central Denmark Region. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (no. NCT06064045).