Scaling Excellence: Simulation-Based Education in a Growing Health System

In many cases, growth means opportunity and challenge.

This case study explores how OhioHealth Learning addressed the increasing demand for high-quality, simulation-based education in the context of system-wide regionalization and expansion. As the number of residency programs, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary learners grew, the need for a more cohesive, scalable, and collaborative approach to simulation became apparent. Through the strategic development of a revised simulation leadership model—aligned with ACS-AEI standards—OhioHealth implemented a structure that enhances efficiency, standardizes educational quality, and fosters deeper collaboration across the network. This case highlights the role of accreditation, leadership, and system integration in building a sustainable, high-performing simulation program that supports clinical excellence and patient safety.

Read about how this center used the ACS-AEI accreditation standards to address the challenge of delivering consistent, high-quality education within a growing health system.

Background

OhioHealth is a large, not-for-profit healthcare system in central Ohio. OhioHealth has experienced significant growth over the past few decades to include 15 member hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, homecare, and other health services spanning 47 Ohio counties. The organization has more than 35,000+ physicians, associates, and volunteers.

Part of the OhioHealth system, OhioHealth Learning was first accredited by the ACS-AEI Program in 2006 and has evolved over the past 18 years to a system-wide resource.

Description of the Challenge

As the regionalization of care and expansion of health systems continue to advance, establishing an organizational structure that supports optimal patient outcomes through education, deliberate practice, and simulation becomes ever more essential. Within our 14-hospital healthcare network, there has been a steady increase in the institutional demand for high-quality learning for multiple specialties and disciplines across all facilities and locations throughout the region. In addition to educational programming for nursing and advanced practice providers, the network supports 15 residency programs across five hospitals. In response to this growing demand, the organizational structure of simulation leadership was strategically revised to optimize efficient delivery of simulation-based learning and promote greater collaboration within the system.

Solution

In response to the increasing demand for simulation-based education and the changing leadership paradigm across our health system, a revised model for simulation management with both system and local leaders was developed. The system medical director of simulation oversees all simulation-based education and simulation-focused quality training throughout the region. Site-specific surgical/medical simulation directors were named for each institution with dedicated simulation centers. At a minimum, quarterly meetings are held with the system simulation medical director and all site-specific directors. Similarly, site-specific quarterly meetings are coordinated with the site simulation director, local director of medical education, simulation fellow, simulation staff, and invested simulation liaisons from varied specialties.

Results

While already on strong footing prior, the new structure has fostered collaboration within and between institutions. Site-specific leaders, under the active guidance of the system simulation director, directly interface with the various residency programs locally which improved both the quantity and efficiency of new initiatives. This has promoted collaboration, advanced educational opportunities, and driven efficiency of new initiatives. 

Role of ACS-AEI Accreditation

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Accredited Education Institute (AEI) Program can significantly address the challenge of delivering optimal patient outcomes through education, deliberate practice, and simulation in a regionalized healthcare network. By adhering to the ACS-AEI Standards and Criteria, the program ensures high-quality surgical education across multiple specialties and locations, demanding rigorous standards to maintain quality and consistency in education. Implementing the ACS-AEI framework within the 14-hospital network enhanced the quality and uniformity of simulation-based learning, aiming to foster improved collaboration and efficiency.

Considerations for Replication and Adaptation

The organizational structure for delivering education through deliberate practice and simulation in a regionalized healthcare network can be applied to other health education systems by establishing both centralized and local leadership roles to oversee and coordinate simulation-based learning across multiple locations. This approach includes appointing site-specific directors to ensure tailored implementation at each facility and fostering collaboration among diverse specialties and disciplines. Regular meetings between system and site-specific leaders enhance coordination, allowing for efficient rollout of educational initiatives and alignment with residency programs. This model can improve the delivery of high-quality, simulation-based education across different healthcare settings.

ACS-AEI accreditation standards ensure a consistent level of educational quality and uniformity by establishing benchmarks for institutions to meet. These standards provide a framework for curriculum development, assessment, and institutional policies, leading to more predictable and reliable learning outcomes.