Simulation based learning to facilitate clinical readiness in diagnostic radiography. A meta-synthesis L. Hazell a, * , H. Lawrence a , H. Friedrich-Nel b a Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa b Department of Clinical Sciences, Central University of Technology, South Africa article info Article history: Received 20 December 2019 Received in revised form 26 February 2020 Accepted 11 March 2020 Available online xxx Keywords: Simulation Authentic Inter-professional Real-life Collaboration abstract Introduction: Simulation based learning (SBL) has been used in diagnostic radiography for teaching and learning purposes. However, the method of offering the SBL opportunities has not been placed in the context of whether the experiences provide the student with a real life simulation. Moreover, in the light of the current staff shortages and healthcare issues in South Africa, placing students into the clinical practice without sound grounding in the application of theory into practice would be unfair to the student and patients. Thus, SBL could provide the opportunity for the student to learn in a safe teaching and learning environment. Methods: A qualitative, meta- synthesis was undertaken using systematic literature searches. The existing literature in English was retrieved from databases (Medline, CINAHL and ScienceDirect). The keywords used were simulation based learning, simulation, radiography and diagnostic radiography. Results: Themes and categories were developed from the literature. Theme 1: An authentic and realistic situation, which is relevant to the development of a professional in the context of the profession. Theme 2: Building confidence in a safe, reliable and nurturing environment. Theme 3: Active participation in a collaborative process. Conclusion: The meta synthesis revealed three major themes that can be used as a framework to motivate for the use of SBL in a diagnostic radiography programme. Implications for practice: The implementation of SBL that could prepare students for the workplace. SBL focused on specific competencies for clinical readiness. © 2020 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Introduction Simulation Based Learning (SBL) has been implemented exten- sively in the medical and health professional fields. SBL refers to a technique, which provides the educator with the opportunity to provide a real world experience, which is ‘immersive.’ 1 The student should feel that the experience is relevant to their clinical practice and enables them to be clinically ready. 1e3 Clinical readiness sug- gests that certain generic skills could be learnt using SBL, which, encompasses both technical and patient care competencies. 4 When students are in the workplace they should provide patient centred care, understand their role in the healthcare environment, and incorporate the technical skills required whilst understanding their professional responsibilities in clinical practice. Therefore, could SBL ensure students have these skills before entering clinical practice? Traditionally, in South Africa radiography educators have used workplace-based learning (WBL) to teach the clinical aspects of the qualification requirements. The students are placed in a training centre accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and are affiliated to a university. The students then apply their theoretical learning in the clinical practice under the super- vision of qualified radiographers. In South Africa, there is increasing workload on public healthcare facilities due to staff shortages, poor maintenance of equipment and limited resources. The South African Qualifications Authority recognizes radiography as a scarce skill. 5 Providing students with clinical learning opportunities in this setting may add an additional pressure to an already overwhelmed system and may result in a compromised clinical experience for the students concerned. In this environment is it possible for the student to be * Corresponding author. E-mail address: lynneh@uj.ac.za (L. Hazell). Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Radiography journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/radi https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2020.03.006 1078-8174/© 2020 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Radiography xxx (xxxx) xxx Please cite this article as: Hazell L et al., Simulation based learning to facilitate clinical readiness in diagnostic radiography. A meta-synthesis, Radiography, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2020.03.006