Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2022) 81 P192 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.81.P192

ECE2022 Poster Presentations Reproductive and Developmental Endocrinology (61 abstracts)

Simulation via instant messaging − birmingham advance (SIMBA) as a tool to bridge gaps in clinical knowledge and expectations between physicians and patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Pavithra Sakthivel 1 , Eka Melson 2,3 , Fatema Rezai 1 , Carina Synn Cuen Pan 1 , Jameela Sheikh 1 , Harjeet Kaur 1 , Catherine Cooper 4 , Farah Abdelhameed 5 , Francesca Pang 1 , Shreya Bhatt 1 , Dania Shabbir 6 , Meri Davitadze 7 , Helena Gleeson 8 , Konstantinos Manolopoulos 3 , Justin Chu 3,9 , Michael O’ Reilly 3,10 , Wiebke Arlt 3,8 , Caroline Gillett 3 , Punith Kempegowda 3,8 & Simba Team 3


1University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom; 2Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, Dundee, United Kingdom; 3Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, United Kingdom; 4Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, West Midlands, United Kingdom; 5University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; 6Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan; 7Georgian-American Family Medicine Clinic “Medical House”, Tbilisi, Georgia; 8Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom; 9Birmingham Women’s Hospital, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom; 10Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland


Introduction: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy in women. Studies exploring the experiences of people with PCOS reveal inadequate patient access to information and limited insight into healthcare professionals’ (HCP) attitudes regarding the condition. Simulation via Instant Messaging-Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is a virtual simulation platform proven to increase learners’ confidence in their approach to simulated cases with a high acceptance rate and reproducibility. However, participation in previous SIMBA sessions has been limited to HCPs.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of SIMBA in improving HCPs’ knowledge on diagnosis and management of health conditions related to PCOS and recognise areas of disparity in knowledge and clinical expectations between HCPs and patients with PCOS.

Methods: Anonymised transcripts based on real-life cases were prepared with expert input and used to train moderators. The transcripts were used to deliver WhatsApp-based simulation to HCPs and parallel Zoom-based workshops to people with PCOS. HCPs were guided through the cases by moderators to elicit history, propose diagnoses, and management plans. People with PCOS discussed the same cases and reflected upon case management based on personal experiences. Patients and HCPs convened for a Q&A discussion at the end of the session where cases were discussed by experts and patient reflections were shared. Participants filled in pre and post SIMBA surveys.

Results: 25 HCPs and 15 patients participated in the session. HCPs reported a 41% and 40% increase in confidence in the management of simulated cases (skin, weight, fertility and menstrual periods related issues in PCOS; P<0.001) and non-simulated cases (metabolic outcomes, menopause, mental health and endometrial cancer; P<0.001), respectively. HCPs reported that SIMBA improved their professionalism (28%) and communication skills (40%) and had a positive personal (84%) and professional (92%) impact. Patients reported a 17.7% increase in confidence regarding HCPs’ awareness of management options for all cases following the session (P=0.0002). Thematic analysis of patient feedback revealed that 83.3% found the session engaging, organised and insightful. 90% of HCPs agreed that the session improved patients’ understanding of the diagnosis and management of PCOS and 100% believed that the session improved their own understanding of patient experiences.

Conclusion: SIMBA is proven to be an effective educational tool that reduces discrepancies in clinical expectations between HCPs and patients and improves HCPs’ confidence in managing simulated cases. It promotes transparent discussion of clinical practice and patient experiences, thereby strengthening doctor-patient relationships.

Volume 81

European Congress of Endocrinology 2022

Milan, Italy
21 May 2022 - 24 May 2022

European Society of Endocrinology 

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