Psychological Safety

Psychological safety in simulation is defined as “a feeling (explicit or implicit) within a simulation-based activity that participants are comfortable participating, speaking up, sharing thoughts, and asking for help as needed without concern for retribution or embarrassment” (The Terminology and Concepts Working Group, 2020, p. 38). Fostering a safe learning environment where learners feel safe to make mistakes, are free from humiliation (or repercussions), and feel respected is critical to the learner outcomes and experience with virtual simulation.

In virtual simulation there are a number of important nuances to be considered in each of the phases of simulation to ensure a psychologically safe environment for learners. The preparatory phase of simulation is where all components of the virtual simulation are planned, including considerations for maintaining a safe learning environment. The purpose of the prebrief phase is to ‘set the stage’ for learners to have a clear understanding of the learning objectives, the ground rules, how to engage with the simulation, and technology requirements (INACSL Standards Committee, 2021). During the enactment phase of the simulation, making mistakes without negative consequences is a key factor for promoting a safe learning environment for learners (Turner & Harder, 2018). In the debrief phase, psychological safety can be fostered by such strategies as previewing the debrief process, outlining how confidentiality will be maintained, and providing learners with options (e.g., video on or off, use of chat box, and trying to find an area free of distractions for the debrief) (Goldsworthy & Verkuyl, 2021). Strategies for creating a psychologically safe learning environment will be discussed in each chapter in this book in more detail.

Expert’s Corner: Psychological Safety

Creating a psychologically safe environment in simulation is critical since it allows learners to fully engage with the scenario and the debriefing, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes.

In the following video Dr. Sandra Goldsworthy, PhD, MSc, RN, CNCC(C), CMSN(C), CCSNE, from Nipissing University provides an overview of psychological safety related to using virtual simulations.