Two faculty members from Stony Brook University’s Department of Physical Therapy have received the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential, an internationally recognized certification in healthcare simulation education. Nancy Krisch and Susan Miale, both clinical associate professors, are now among fewer than 4,000 professionals worldwide to hold this distinction since it was established by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in 2012. They are currently the only faculty members within the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook University with this certification.
The CHSE credential recognizes educators who demonstrate advanced abilities in designing, facilitating, and evaluating simulation-based learning for healthcare students. The process involves meeting eligibility requirements, submitting a formal application, and passing a comprehensive exam on core competencies related to healthcare simulation education.
Perrilynn Conklin, director of the Stony Brook Clinical Simulation Center and also a CHSE holder, commented on the impact of simulation-based learning: “Our students consistently report that simulation-based learning is a valuable and positive experience. Research shows that it improves their performance on knowledge-based exams and, more importantly, helps them practice high-risk, low-frequency skills in a safe environment. This deliberate practice builds their confidence and self-efficacy for real-world clinical work.”
Krisch highlighted the importance of this achievement for their academic programs: “The credential is important specifically to our doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program and school because it shows colleagues in our school, in our university and beyond that there are best practice standards to be utilized, and we are using the most current best practices in the design and implementation of simulations. Our expertise is confirmed, showing that we plan and execute simulations that are safe both physically and psychologically for participants.”
Conklin added: “The CHSE credential confirms that our faculty is highly qualified to plan and execute simulations that are physically and psychologically safe. This allows students to make mistakes and learn from them without fear, which is essential for developing expertise.”
Miale noted the benefits of simulation-based education: “Perhaps most importantly, there is evidence that simulation-based education facilitates improved patient outcomes. Compared to other educational modalities, simulation-based education has been shown to have greater benefits on skill acquisition. Simulation improves patient safety and reduces catastrophic healthcare errors.” She explained further that such training gives students opportunities for deliberate practice with rare or complex skills needed for clinical safety.
Krisch described how research supports these methods: “Simulation as a learning strategy is incredibly powerful when best practices are utilized. Studies show that simulation-based training helps to reduce errors in clinical practice, which ultimately improves patient safety and quality of care. It also helps students build confidence in a safe environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.”
Within their curriculum at Stony Brook University’s School of Health Professions, Krisch and Miale integrate real-world scenarios into classroom settings as well as through sessions at the Clinical Simulation Center. These activities focus on developing clinical reasoning along with communication skills necessary for effective patient care.
Miale stated: “Not only do our students benefit from participating in simulation-based learning but our school benefits from having educators who are knowledgeable and skilled in evidence-based simulation design and delivery. The skills that our students learn through simulation have the potential to positively impact patient outcomes.”
Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook University said: “We are incredibly proud of Susan Miale and Nancy Krisch for earning their Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator credentials. Their achievement reflects a deep commitment to advancing simulation-based education and enhancing the quality of healthcare training at the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook University. Their expertise and dedication continue to enrich the educational experiences for our students.”
In addition to educator credentials like CHSE offered by SSH, technical staff can pursue certifications such as Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS). At Stony Brook University’s Clinical Simulation Center, technicians Edward Gross and Genevieve Varela currently hold this operations-focused certification.