Optimizing patient safety through culturally competent simulation-based education with health professionals

Recent research has shown that patients from ethnic minorities may find themselves in potentially more risky situations if there is reduced sensitivity to cultural diversity in society. In addition, patients with sensory loss, physical disabilities, or mental health issues may be more vulnerable to safety incidents than their healthy peers. The Sim-Versity project will thus address global issues related to social inclusion and justice—eliminating inequality and diversity through professional education in healthcare. The project aims to reduce risks to patients by incorporating cultural competencies into simulation training for healthcare professionals, improve cultural competencies among healthcare professionals through simulation training, and improve cultural competencies among teachers and stakeholders involved in simulation-based education using new online materials (creating a multi-platform online center dedicated to simulation training and cultural competence, and developing online tools for self-assessment of cultural competence).