Faculty perceptions of simulation programs in healthcare education

OBJECTIVES: To identify faculty perceptions of simulation insertion in the undergraduate program, considering the advantages and challenges posed by this resource. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study with intentional sampling according to pre-defined criteria, following a semi-structured outline regarding data saturation. We have interviewed 14 healthcare instructors from a teaching institution that employs simulation in its syllabi. RESULTS: The majority of the faculty interviewed considered the use of scenario, followed by debriefing, as an excellent teaching tool. However, the faculty also noted a number of difficulties, such as the workload necessary to assemble the scenario, the correlation between scenario goals and the competences of the program, the time spent with the simulation, and the ratio of students to faculty members. CONCLUSIONS: Faculties consider simulation an effective tool in the healthcare program and maintain that the main obstacle faced by them is the logistical demand.