GlossaryGuide

Etym. scenario (n.) 1868, “sketch of the plot of a play,” from Italian scenario, from Late Latin scenarius “of stage scenes,” from Latin scena “scene.”

Etym. clinical (adj.) 1780, “pertaining to hospital patients or hospital care,” from clinic + -al.

Definition

• The plan of an expected and potential course of events for a simulated clinical experience. A scenario usually includes the context for the simulation (hospital ward, emergency room, operating room, clinic, out of hospital, etc.). Scenarios can vary in length and complexity, depending on the learning objectives.

• A detailed outline of a clinical encounter that includes: the participants in the event, briefing notes, goals and learning objectives, participant instructions, patient information, environmental conditions, manikin or standardized patient preparation, related equipment, props, and tools or resources for assessing and managing the simulated experience.

• A progressive outline of a clinical encounter, including a beginning, an ending, a debriefing, and evaluation criteria (Meakim et al., 2013).

See also: SCENARIO, SCRIPT, SIMULATED-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCE, SIMULATION ACTIVITY