Professor Walter Eppich, RCSI Chair of Simulation, advises health practitioners to speak up and work collaboratively during Bahrain visit

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI Bahrain) welcomed Professor and Chair of RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, Professor Walter Eppich, for a four-day visit and intensive training, during his first trip to Bahrain since his appointment at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in Dublin in 2020.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Head of School of Medicine, Professor Alfred Nicholson commented, “During his visit, Professor Eppich highlighted that simulation is a means for students to learn in a safe environment and take better care of patients and that communication, interprofessional education, team reflection and collective competence are crucial for patient safety. We thank Professor Eppich and Associate Professor in Surgery and Academic Director of Clinical Simulation at RCSI Bahrain, Professor Nuha Birido, for enhancing the interprofessional workplace-based clinical education norms for the benefit of students, educators and patients.”

During the training course delivered to clinical educators of RCSI Bahrain and the Crown Prince Center for Training & Medical Research on ‘Debriefing Basics for Healthcare Professions Educators’, Professor Eppich promoted the concept of ‘psychological safety’ within the clinical workplace and simulation space. To work together effectively, he advised all participants to speak up and leverage the thoughtful collaboration of the diverse professions, experiences and perspectives available. Professor Eppich also introduced participants to practice delivering peer coaching, which allows teams to solidify their knowledge by observing and participating in their colleagues’ simulation sessions.

Professor Eppich explained: “When we build boundaries in the clinical workplace instead of embracing diversity, we amplify difficulties in speaking up. In my evidence-based research study of 70 simulation exercises, we measured that clinical performance, especially in larger teams, improves when the volume of team interactions and team reflections increases. The learning is that healthcare professionals need to be deliberate about collaborating with their peers in the clinical workplace to improve patient care.” 

RCSI Bahrain is committed to advancing healthcare in the Middle East. Our deep professional responsibility to fulfil society’s greatest need – the advancement of its health and well-being – is embedded in all that we do.