BISSH Programme Certification Framework

1. Introduction

This framework outlines the criteria and procedures for certifying simulation-based training programmes. The goal is to ensure that these programmes adhere to best practices in simulation education, thereby enhancing the quality of training and patient care outcomes.

The British Institute of Skills and Simulation in Healthcare (BISSH) is a professional body dedicated to advancing excellence in healthcare education and innovation through simulation. Founded with a commitment to quality, BISSH provides a platform for healthcare professionals, educators, and institutions to develop competencies, share best practices, and enhance their impact through evidence-based, high-quality simulation and skills training programmes.

2. Scope of Certification

The certification focuses on evaluating:

Programme Structure and Methodology: Ensuring the training design aligns with educational best practices.
Facilitator Qualifications and Training: Verifying that facilitators are adequately trained and competent in simulation methodologies.
Assessment and Feedback Mechanisms: Assessing the robustness of participant evaluation and feedback systems.
Continuous Improvement Processes: Confirming the existence of quality assurance and enhancement measures.

Note: Certification evaluates the structure and quality assurance processes of the programme, not the specific course content or individual learner outcomes.

3. Core Values and Evidence of Implementation

Certified programmes must demonstrate a commitment to the following core values, which are aligned with nationally and internationally recognised healthcare education, patient safety, and workforce development standards. These values reflect established principles underpinning high-quality simulation-based training and support consistency with prevailing regulatory, professional, and accreditation frameworks across healthcare systems:

3.1. Patient Safety

Evidence: Integration of patient safety principles into all simulation scenarios and debriefings.

3.2. Inclusivity and Diversity

Evidence: Representation of diverse patient populations in scenarios and ensuring equal participation opportunities for all learners.

3.3. Professional Integrity

Evidence: Clear ethical guidelines for facilitators and participants, including confidentiality agreements.

3.4. Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Evidence: Regular updates to training materials based on the latest research and feedback from participants.

3.5. Collaboration and Teamwork

Evidence: Interdisciplinary team simulations and structured team-based debriefings.

4. Certification Criteria

Programmes must meet the following standards:

4.1. Curriculum Design

Learning Objectives: Clearly defined, measurable objectives that guide the training programme.
Educational Alignment: Curriculum content and delivery methods that reflect current best practices in simulation-based education.
Scenario Development: Use of realistic and contextually appropriate scenarios to meet learning objectives.

4.2. Facilitation Requirements

Facilitator Competence: Facilitators possess relevant qualifications and experience in simulation education.
Pre-Briefing and Debriefing: Structured sessions before and after simulations to prepare participants and reflect on performance.
Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where participants feel safe to engage and learn from mistakes.

4.3. Assessment Procedures

Evaluation Tools: Utilization of validated instruments to assess participant performance effectively.
Feedback Systems: Mechanisms for providing timely, constructive feedback to learners.
Documentation: Comprehensive records of simulation activities, assessments, and outcomes.

4.4. Quality Assurance

Continuous Improvement: Regular review and updating of simulation practices based on feedback and emerging evidence.
Participant Feedback: Systematic collection and analysis of learner feedback to inform programme enhancements.
Internal Audits: Periodic evaluations to ensure adherence to established programmes and standards.

5. Certification Process

5.1. Application Submission

Institutions seeking certification must provide:

Application Form: Completed form detailing the programme's structure and objectives.
Programme Documentation: Materials outlining training methodologies, facilitator credentials, and assessment tools.
Sample Materials: Examples of scenarios, evaluation forms, and feedback summaries.

5.2. Evaluation and Audit

Document Review: Initial assessment of submitted materials for completeness and alignment with standards.
Compliance Assessment: Verification of adherence to pre-briefing, scenario execution, and debriefing protocols.

5.3. Certification Decision

Outcome Notification: Programmes meeting criteria will receive a Programme Certified by BISSH certificate, valid for 3 years.
Feedback Report: Detailed assessment highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

5.4. Recertification

Renewal Application: Submission required every 3 years to maintain certification status.
Interim Monitoring: Annual reports or check-ins to ensure ongoing compliance and support continuous improvement.

6. Process Timeline

The BISSH Programme Certification process is designed to be clear, efficient, and supportive. From submission to final decision, the review process typically takes four to six weeks and follows the structured sequence outlined below:

Application Submission — Applicants submit the completed application form along with all required supporting documentation in accordance with BISSH Programme Certification requirements.
Initial Screening (Weeks 1–2) — Upon receipt, the BISSH Secretariat conducts an initial screening to confirm that all required materials have been submitted and are in order. Where clarifications or additional information are required, applicants will be contacted promptly.
Detailed Review and Interview (Weeks 3–5) — Accredited BISSH reviewers undertake a detailed evaluation of the submission against the Programme Certification criteria. Depending on the nature and scope of the programme, this stage may include an online review meeting or interview, providing applicants with the opportunity to elaborate on programme design, delivery, and outcomes.
Steering Group Decision — Following completion of the review and any interview, the findings and recommendations are considered by the BISSH Steering Group, which confirms the final certification decision.
Notification and Certificate Issuance — Applicants are formally notified of the outcome. Successful programmes are awarded BISSH Programme Certification, which is valid for a period of three years.

7. Monitoring and Compliance

Non-Compliance Protocol: Procedures for addressing deviations from certified programmes, which may include corrective actions or revocation of certification.
Continuous Support: BISSH offers resources and guidance to help programmes maintain and enhance their simulation practices.

8. Contact Information

For inquiries and further assistance:

Email: admin@bissh.org.uk

This framework is designed to promote excellence in simulation-based training by certifying programmes that align with recognized best practices in the field and uphold core values essential to quality healthcare education.

For further clarity, please refer to the Annexure – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.

Annexure: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the BISSH Programme Certification?: The BISSH Programme Certification recognises simulation-based training programmes that meet defined standards of educational quality, facilitator competence, and patient safety.
2. Who can apply for certification?: Any healthcare or educational institution that runs simulation-based training programmes aligned with BISSH core values: Patient Safety, Inclusivity, Professional Integrity, Innovation, and Teamwork can apply.
3. What does the certification evaluate?: The evaluation focuses on programme design, faculty qualifications, facilitation process, assessment systems, and mechanisms for continuous improvement—not on specific course content.
4. How long is the certification valid for?: Certification is valid for three (3) years, after which programmes must apply for renewal.
5. What documents are required for application?: Applicants must submit an application form, programme documentation (curriculum, faculty details, assessment methods), and sample materials such as scenarios and evaluation forms.
6. How is the evaluation conducted?: The review includes a document audit, compliance assessment against BISSH standards, and a detailed feedback report from the BISSH evaluation team.
7. What are the key benefits of certification?: Institutions gain formal recognition for quality, enhanced credibility, benchmarking against international standards, and structured guidance for ongoing quality improvement.
8. Can feedback be used to improve our programme before final approval?: Yes. Applicants receive a feedback report outlining strengths and improvement areas, allowing refinement before the final certification decision.
9. What happens if a certified programme fails to maintain standards?: BISSH will engage the institution through a non-compliance protocol, offering support for corrective actions or, in extreme cases, suspending certification.
10. How do I contact BISSH for support or queries?: You can reach the BISSH administrative team at admin@bissh.org.uk for application support, clarifications, and post-certification assistance.

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BISSH Programme Certification Framework for Simulation-Based Training