A Healthcare Simulation Dictionary has been developed by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) to support effective communication regarding key terms within the global community. SSH is a healthcare simulation organization dedicated to enhancing performance and reducing errors in patient care through the use of medical simulation. To help simulationists and learners worldwide become able to better identify clinical simulation terms, the organization created a healthcare simulation dictionary and continues to release updated versions to meet the needs of the medical simulation community. SSH recently released a 3.0 Version of the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary in 2024. This HealthySimulation.com article will highlight the changes in the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary 3.0 and how to gain access to the resource below.
Healthcare Simulation Dictionary 3.0
The Healthcare Simulation Dictionary 3.0 features a collection of definitions to show how various terms, and their meanings, are used in the healthcare simulation today. Version 3.0 included workgroups led by associate editors to review the current terms and definitions, add primary citations where possible, incorporate new or revised definitions as reflected in the literature, seek feedback from simulationists, and add new terms in collaboration with AHRQ. This review resulted in changes to Healthcare Simulation Dictionary 3.0 that included:
- 41 new terms
- Additional abbreviations
- Over 125 new and revised definitions
- Patient safety terminology from AHRQ has been added
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Key Changes in Healthcare Simulation Dictionary 3.0
- New and Emerging Terms: Newly added terms address technological advancements (Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence in Simulation) and educational frameworks (Psychological Safety, Bias Mitigation, Deliberate Practice).
- Refined Definitions: Many existing terms were revised to ensure alignment with current educational research and international simulation standards. For example, Fidelity, Debriefing, and Facilitation were clarified to distinguish between contextual and experiential aspects of simulation.
- Expanded Contextual Usage: Emphasizes how terms may be interpreted differently across disciplines and institutions to promote flexibility while consistency is maintained. Cross-references were enhanced to highlight relationships between related terms.
- Inclusivity and Global Representation: Language updates focused on inclusivity, with revisions to remove region-specific jargon and encourage global applicability. The terminology was vetted for cultural sensitivity and to ensure equity-focused language.
- Community Contributions: The dictionary reflects a broader range of contributors and peer-reviewed input, acknowledging its role as a living document shaped by the community.
Why Should Healthcare Simulationists Need to Use the Dictionary?
The rapid evolution of healthcare simulation requires clarity in communication as an essential. As simulation-based education, research, and clinical training expand globally, so does the need for a common language. That is where the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary, published by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), becomes an indispensable tool for simulationists at every level. Reasons for the incorporation of standard terminology in professional healthcare simulation dissemination include:
- Establishes a Common Vocabulary Across Disciplines
- Supports Best Practices and Standards Alignment (ASPE, ASPiH, INACSL, and SSH)
- Promotes Clarity in Research and Grant Writing
- Strengthens Curriculum Development and Assessment
- Enhances Professional Development
- Keep Up-to-Date with Technology and Healthcare Simulation Industry Changes
Translations of the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary
The previous versions of the Healthcare Simulation Dictionaries have been translated into multiple languages. Translations of the Dictionary are prepared by volunteer translators. While any reasonable efforts are made to provide accurate translations, portions may be incorrect. No liability is assumed by SSH for any error. These translations can be downloaded on the SSH Website.
Healthcare Simulation Dictionary Version 1.0 has been translated into:
- Chinese
- Italian
- Japanese
- Russian
- Spanish
Healthcare Simulation Dictionary Version 2.0 has been translated into:
- German
- Turkish
- Hebrew
Version 2.1 has been translated into Brazilian Portuguese and Bahasa Melayu.
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Identify and Submit New Terms
The Healthcare Simulation Dictionary is more than a glossary. Version 3.0 enhances collaboration, supports quality improvement, and ensures that everyone involved in healthcare simulation is using the same terminology. Whether in the role of an educator, researcher, technician, or program director, the Dictionary is an essential resource that supports clarity, consistency, and credibility across all facets of simulation practice. If you know of healthcare simulation terms that you believe should be added to the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary or a term that you believe should be reviewed, you can submit feedback to the organization.
More Information About Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to medical simulation, with over 5,000 members. The purpose of SSH is to serve as a global community of practice to enhance the quality of healthcare. The nonprofit’s mission is to serve their members by fostering education, professional development, and the advancement of research and innovation; promote the profession of healthcare simulation through standards and ethics; and champion healthcare simulation through advocacy, sharing, facilitating, and collaborating. SSH seeks to reduce errors in patient care and to improve clinical performance through the use of simulation.
SSH offers members the opportunity to join sections, special interest groups, affinity groups, regional groups, annual conference – International Meeting for Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH), certification for educators and simulation operation specialists, accreditation, professional development opportunities, Healthcare Simulationist Code of Ethics, and many other opportunities for the simulation community.
Learn More About and Download a Copy of the Healthcare Simulation Dictionary!
Disclaimers: The content included in the Dictionary may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. SSH makes no warranties about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the content of the Dictionary, and disclaims all warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law. In no event shall SSH, any organization who provided input to the Dictionary, or any individual in the working group be liable for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the Dictionary.
