Journal of European CME (03/29/23) Filhoa, Marco Antonio de Carvalho; Sehlbach, Carolin; Martin, Andrés

A co-constructive patient simulation (CCPS) can encourage meaningful continuing professional development (CPD) by modeling learners' current practice and helping them progress, according to this commentary. Trainees assume a leading role and share responsibility for creating simulated experiential scenarios. After choosing the lived situation, learners interact with professional actors portraying simulated participants (SPs) in formulating cases and scenarios. Fellow trainees or an expert with no knowledge of the case take turns interviewing the SP. This back-and-forth "creates connection and complicity, a sense of comradery and belonging, builds trust, and invites democratic and bilateral dialogue and feedback," the authors observe. CCPS' debriefing framework uses an in-action, on-action, and for-action model, yielding meaningful learning experiences. "The CCPS session functions as a rehearsal for actual practice" via personalized and contextualized learning, the researchers note. The model also supplements more conventional CPD approaches by cultivating spontaneity and authenticity. "It integrates learning opportunities in clinical practice, amplifies learners' critical reflection and autonomy, and harnesses real-life challenges to offer meaningful solutions to lifelong learning," the researchers conclude.

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