Introduction:

Simulation plays a crucial role in healthcare by providing a controlled and risk-free environment for training, education, quality improvement, innovation and research. Funding is often required to support the resources needed including; faculty, equipment and/or technology, venues, scenarios and administrative support, amongst others to develop, establish and sustain the delivery of simulation activity. There is a need to clearly articulate the requirements, benefits and cost effectiveness of simulation to justify and secure investment. Additionally, there is a need to foster organisational ownership and buy in to help sustain simulation. Yet funding for this type of learning activity is finite and understanding and justifying costs can be challenging [1].

Methods:

The Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW) Simulation team hold a strategic, facilitatory and supportive role to the diverse multiprofessional simulation community across healthcare in Wales. Frequently the team are asked how and where funding can be sourced to support the development of simulation activity, as well as what rationale can be provided within any business case to justify any expenditure required.

Results:

In response, the HEIW team undertook a scoping review to determine potential funding sources external to the organisation that can be applied to/accessed by the simulation community across healthcare in Wales to support a range of simulation activity. A guidance document was developed providing a list of the identified potential sources as well as guidance on how to identify other potential sources of funding.

In addition, a narrative was developed based on a literature review of the benefits and impact of simulation activity, that could be used to support the development of a business case in application of funding for the use of simulation.

The narrative articulates the advantages of simulation in terms of staff development, patient safety, enhancing procedural skills, clinical decision-making, collaboration, teamwork and communication, alongside fostering innovation and quality improvement [2,3]. In particular, it emphasises the importance of simulation as an essential tool for workforce development and operational efficiency.

Discussion:

Funding may be crucial for some simulation projects as it allows the financing of a range of potential resources that may not already be available. Yet, to gain funding there needs to be an informed and detailed rationale demonstrating the significant value and impact of simulation.

Ethics Statement:

As the submitting author, I can confirm that all relevant ethical standards of research and dissemination have been met. Additionally, I can confirm that the necessary ethical approval has been obtained, where applicable

References

1. Senvisky JM, McKenna RT, Okuda Y. (2025) Financing and Funding A Simulation Center. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568786/

2. Sollid SJM, Dieckman P, Aase K, Søreide E, Ringsted C, Østergaard D. (2019) Five Topics Health Care Simulation Can Address to Improve Patient Safety: Results From a Consensus Process. Journal Patient Safety Jun;15(2):111–120. doi: 10.1097/PTS.0000000000000254. PMID: 27023646; PMCID: PMC6553986.

3. Dale-Tam J, Dale L. Using Simulation to Develop Clinical Reasoning Skills for Registered Practical Nurses New to Acute Care. Clinical Simulation in Nursing. 2024;86:101477. doi: 10.1016/j.ecns.2023.101477.