Name
#204 Designing and Delivering Simulation-Based Continuing Education for Women’s Health Exams: A Logistics Playbook with Adult Learning Principles
Speakers
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
VHA/VA
Services/Agencies represented
Veterans Health Administration/Veterans Affairs (VHA/VA)
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Technology, Policy/Management/Administrative
Learning Outcomes
1. List the core logistics required to host a simulation-based training using GTAs for breast and pelvic exams.
2. Apply adult learning principles—such as experiential learning and learner autonomy—to improve training outcomes for experienced clinicians.
3. Design a session flow that incorporates pre-brief, practice time, structured feedback, and reflection.
4. Anticipate and address common operational challenges in simulation-based CPD, including cost, space, and clinician time constraints.
5. Adapt this training model to their own clinical setting, whether VA, DoD, or civilian healthcare systems.
2. Apply adult learning principles—such as experiential learning and learner autonomy—to improve training outcomes for experienced clinicians.
3. Design a session flow that incorporates pre-brief, practice time, structured feedback, and reflection.
4. Anticipate and address common operational challenges in simulation-based CPD, including cost, space, and clinician time constraints.
5. Adapt this training model to their own clinical setting, whether VA, DoD, or civilian healthcare systems.
Session Currently Live
Description
Hosting simulation-based continuing education for experienced clinicians presents both logistical challenges and unique educational opportunities. Simulation training is a key component of the Women’s Health Mini-Residency, the flagship primary care training program for women’s health clinicians and provides an opportunity for training on breast and pelvic exams. This poster offers a pragmatic overview of how the Veterans Health Administration developed and implemented a simulation training session in women’s health for physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, including planning, staffing, facilities, supplies, session flow and evaluation tools. The model centers Gynecologic Teaching Associates (GTAs) as both instructors and standardized patients, allowing for hands-on, psychologically safe skill practice. Core adult learning theories underpin the program design: experiential learning encourages learning by doing; constructivism supports learners integrating new knowledge with prior clinical experience; and self-directed learning enables clinicians to focus on gaps relevant to their own practice. Logistical details—such as pre-session briefing, protected time for learner reflection, and structured feedback scripts—align with adult learners’ needs for relevance, respect, and immediate applicability. A replicable framework and evaluation plan can help others adapt to host similar training in federal, military, or academic settings.