In this talk, Dr. Popov will present the Epistemic Network Analysis of an eight-year database of simulation center feedback provided by the American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes. This analysis provides a novel perspective on the evolving field of simulation from an optional to essential modality in healthcare professions education.

Since 2005, the American College of Surgeons Accredited Educational Institutes has provided accreditation of surgically-focused simulation centers with the added benefit of identifying best practices defined as “areas far exceeding the accreditation standards or novel methods of advancing high quality, impactful education.” To evaluate the evolution of accreditation feedback and embedded associations, the compiled list of 337 best practices identified from all 247 site visits over a eight-year period was analyzed and visualized using epistemic network analysis (ENA), a quantitative ethnographic technique for modeling the structure of connections in qualitative data. The results indicated that best practices evolved from an early focus on teaching methods, faculty and curriculum development to more advanced educational topics including assessment, research, resources and overall center governance. The ENA analysis of this eight-year database of simulation center feedback provides a novel perspective on an organization and the evolving field of simulation from an optional to essential modality in healthcare professions education.