Table 1 Four phases of implementation over the life cycle of the project

Phase 1

Planning and preparation Simulation centre

May–Sept.

a) SQIOT drafted as scenario template and for data collection during iterative simulations

b) HFMEA Report Summary drafted to present collated and risk-rated data from the simulations to decision-makers.

c) Scenario development and instrument testing undertaken within the simulation centre: face validity.

Key action Phase 1: testing of documentation tools and scenarios within the simulation centre

Phase 2

Simulation testing

In situ

Oct. 1, 2

Oct. 6, 7

Test 1: ‘In-hospital’ simulation testing of systems and workflows with hospital leaders and senior clinicians.

Identification of required amendments to systems and workflows. Scenarios refined based on revised processes.

Test 2: ‘In-hospital’ simulation testing of systems and workflows with hospital leaders and senior clinicians repeated.

Identification of further required amendments to systems and workflows.

Scenarios refined based on revised processes for Phase 3.

Key action Phase 2: Testing of documentation tools, scenarios and processes/systems/workflows within the hospital.

Phase 3

Simulation testing

In situ

Oct. 22

‘24-h’ simulation in situ simulation testing with hospital staff and simulated patients.

Key action Phase 3: testing of processes/systems/workflows within the hospital over a consecutive 24-h period.

Phase 4

In situ

Oct. 23

Oct. 28

‘Post-simulation’ staff survey conducted by hospital leadership: 100% (n = 112) participating staff confident to open hospital.

Report Summary (HFMEA) submitted: Phases 2 and 3 data highlighting improvements made and further recommendations for refinements to processes and workflows. Hospital opened with commencement of full service delivery.