Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Patients with endocrine disorders often present with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs), influenced by social determinants of health (SDOH) and health inequities. These factors significantly affect both acute and long-term management. Endocrine disorders frequently present with complex and overlapping cardiometabolic and systemic symptoms. Trainees are often not formally taught how to manage and balance these complex clinical and non-clinical factors. To address this, we developed a virtual simulation-based teaching programme using Simulation via Instant Messaging – Bedside Application (SIMBA). The programme integrated elements of non-clinical diagnosis and management into clinical case transcripts. Two sessions were delivered: SIMBA-MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young) and SIMBA-Pituitary, focusing on common presentations in endocrine practice.

Methods: Two virtual simulation sessions were conducted for postgraduate healthcare professionals. Eight anonymised patient cases were simulated across two sessions using instant messaging platforms. Each session was followed by expert-led case-based discussions highlighting clinical reasoning, social determinants, and key learning points. Participants completed pre- and post-session questionnaires assessing self-reported knowledge and confidence using five-point Likert scales. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

Results: For SIMBA-MODY, 27 participants completed pre- and post-session surveys. Self-reported confidence in managing MODY presentations improved significantly (16.7% vs 74.1%, P < 0.05). For SIMBA-Pituitary, 22 participants completed both surveys, with self-reported confidence increasing significantly from 39.8% to 90.9% (P < 0.05). Most participants agreed that simulation was an engaging learning method (85.2% in SIMBA-MODY; 86.4% in SIMBA-Pituitary). Participants also reported improved understanding of SDOH, health inequities, and the management of MLTCs following both sessions.

Conclusion: Virtual simulation using SIMBA is an effective educational tool for enhancing postgraduate healthcare professionals’ confidence in managing endocrine disorders within the broader context of MLTCs, SDOH, and health inequities. As patient complexity increases, SIMBA offers a scalable, interactive approach to teaching these non-clinical competencies, to improve patient care.