Comprehensive Simulation Curriculum of Transfusion Medicine

The Comprehensive Simulation Curriculum of Transfusion Medicine is an educational program designed to teach core principles of transfusion medicine through simulation-based learning. The curriculum consists of multiple clinical scenarios that replicate real-world situations involving massive bleeding and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions across different hospital settings (operating room, ICU, and ward).

Participants engage in case-based simulations that emphasize clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary communication, and adherence to massive transfusion protocols (MTP). The curriculum aligns with competency-based education frameworks, particularly the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones, focusing on professionalism, communication, systems-based practice, and practice-based learning.

Target Learners 

The curriculum is intended for a broad range of healthcare trainees and professionals, including: 

  • Medical interns and residents in: 
    • Anesthesiology 
    • Surgery and OB/GYN 
    • Internal Medicine 
    • Emergency Medicine 
    • Family Medicine 
  • Transfusion medicine fellows 
  • ICU fellows 
  • Nursing staff 
  • Medical students (in selected scenarios) 

The scenarios are adaptable based on learner level and specialty, allowing use in both early and advanced training. 

Equipment / Resources Needed 

The curriculum requires simulation and clinical training resources, including: 

Simulation Equipment 

  • High-fidelity patient simulator or standardized patient 
  • Simulation lab or clinical skills environment 
  • Monitoring equipment (vital signs, cardiac monitor, etc.) 

Clinical Materials 

  • Blood products (real or simulated: PRBCs, plasma, platelets) 
  • IV lines, fluids, and infusion equipment 
  • Medication supplies relevant to resuscitation 

Instructional Materials 

  • Scenario scripts and case descriptions 
  • PowerPoint presentations 
  • Instructor guides and checklists 
  • Evaluation forms (individual and course-level) 
  • Pre- and post-tests on transfusion medicine concepts 

System-Based Tools 

  • Institutional massive transfusion protocol (MTP) guidelines 
  • Blood bank communication workflows 

Estimated Time to Complete Activity 

The full curriculum is modular and varies by implementation, but typical timing is: 

  • Single simulation scenario: ~30–60 minutes 
  • Debriefing session: ~30–45 minutes 
  • Full session (scenario + debrief): ~1–2 hours 

For the entire curriculum (multiple scenarios + evaluations): 

  • Approximately 4–8 hours total, depending on the number of scenarios used and depth of discussion. 
Categories: MedEdPortal, Open Access, Peer Review
Tags: Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Obstetric, Surgery
Author: Benjamin Rioux-Masse, Mojca Remskar Konia