Abstract:

Simulation competitions, commonly referred to as SIM Wars, are frequently perceived as high-energy events that reward rapid decision-making under pressure. However, their educational potential extends well beyond trophies and rankings. When intentionally designed and aligned with clear learning objectives, simulation competitions can function as powerful mechanisms for purposeful change, fostering clinical reasoning, enhancing teamwork, and increasing awareness of timely and critical topics that influence patient care practices.

This CE webinar examines how medical simulation competitions can be leveraged as transformative educational strategies rather than isolated, time-limited stress exercises intended solely to test performance under pressure. Emphasis will be placed on purposeful design, educational intent, and structured reflection as drivers of meaningful learning and practice improvement. Participants will be encouraged to reconceptualize clinical simulation competitions as valuable tools for advancing education, professional development, and patient care, gaining a renewed appreciation for their role in impactful healthcare simulation-based learning.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the educational value of healthcare simulation competitions beyond competitive performance, including their impact on clinical reasoning, teamwork, and awareness of patient care priorities.
2. Analyze how intentional design elements, such as clearly defined learning objectives, scenario structure, and structured assessment contribute to transformational learning within clinical simulation competitions.
3. Apply principles of purposeful medical simulation competition design to reframe SIM Wars as educational strategies that support professional development and practice improvement, beyond just attempts to “win”.