SimSimple in Practice – The Power of Hybrid Simulation: Zooming In on What Matters

Simulation modality choice doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing.

One of the strengths of Visually Enhanced Mental Simulation (VEMS) is how easily it can be combined with practical skills training to create a realistic and efficient learning experience.

We’ve found that facilitators can use VEMS to create a meaningful clinical context and then “zoom in” on a specific technical skill within that scenario. The approach keeps the focus on what matters—practicing the skill within the bigger picture of patient care and teamwork. 

Paediatric Status - Practicing the Pumps

A team gathers for a status epilepticus scenario using a SimSimple Paediatrics Kit. They have been briefed about using VEMS for everything EXCEPT drawing up and administering anti-epileptic medication which will be done with real medication and the real IV pump and pump library.

The patient visual is placed on the table, and the group begins working through the case—assessment, airway support, medication choices, team roles, and escalation. So far, it’s all VEMS—laminated patients, visual cues, and verbal teamwork. Some are managing the airway and some are on the drugs team. As the simulation progresses the drugs team starts to draw up antiepileptics and seamlessly switch to the real medication.

Now the simulation zooms in.

Participants practice drawing up the drug and programming the pump—right in the context of their ongoing team response.There are some challenges with the pump and they need to draw another team member over to help them. This hybrid approach integrates the real technical skill (and all its usual challenges) with team structure and context of a case.

This scenario sets up a rich debrief where the team can explore how the team can support the drugs nurses during predictably challenging scenarios and how we engage in back up behaviour.

Other examples: 

• Lateral Canthotomy: During a VEMS scenario involving facial trauma with other competing priorities, the facilitator integrates a lateral canthotomy on a task trainer—embedding the skill within realistic decision-making and team coordination.

• Using our defibrillator: In a VEMS case of unstable tachycardia, participants “zoom in” to use a training defibrillator to practice cardioversion—reinforcing safety checks, teamwork, and communication under time pressure.

Why It Works

• Context makes skills meaningful. Teams understand why a procedure is needed, how it fits within other competing priorities, and how to achieve it together, not just how to do it.

• It’s efficient. VEMS provides the scenario framework, so facilitators can focus time and resources on the most critical hands-on element.

• It feels natural. Teams stay engaged because the technical task fits seamlessly into a believable patient story.

• It’s flexible. The same approach can be used for any discipline or procedure—from trauma to cardiac care.

Simple, Flexible, Effective

Combining VEMS with focused hands-on learning helps teams make the most of limited time and resources. With SimSimple Kits, facilitators can create meaningful scenarios that build both teamwork and technical skill—without needing a sim lab or complex setup.