Implementation Strategies
There is an opportunity upon completion of the GITCS© practice session to include prompting questions for reflective practice in simulation. Following the completion of the GITCS©-Virtual Gaming Simulation, you as the learner could use the GITCS©, applying the tool to simulated communication scenarios (e.g. role playing) with peers or standardized patients. This learning opportunity would assist you in identifying both verbal and non verbal communication that was ethical and respectful as played out during the simulation.
During collaborative or interdisciplinary simulations, learners could use the GITCS© tool to provide feedback to participants. For example, learners complete the VGS prior to participation in interdisciplinary simulation, again providing awareness and a refresher on how communication can be interpreted both verbally and non verbally.
Applying the GITCS© tool to “Live” simulations during lab can also build application, confidence and stronger ethical application while working with a variety of participants or colearners.
The in-person communication simulation and VGS, could be utilized prior to final practicums across disciplines as a gentle reminder for the learner that clear communication is key when working with a variety of health care providers and the general public.
Incorporating VGS in Health and Social Care Professional Practice
Health care providers require ongoing education in professional communication in order to minimize or eliminate miscommunication and to enhance the delivery of safe, quality, patient-client-centered care. In a previous study, the GITCS© scale was found to provide insight to paramedics into their use of therapeutic communication (Campbell et al., 2022).
