A Toolbox to Make Multisite Simulation Research Successful

Background: This paper reviews practical strategies for implementing technology and provides recommendations for onsite logistics in a multi-site simulation research collaboration. A small body of literature supports multi-site simulation research and provides direction for research organization, data collection, and communication. There is a gap in the literature relating to multi-site, multiple-patient simulation collaborations, even though multiple patient simulation is a hot topic at professional nursing education meetings. Methods: The research team conducted a multi-site, multiple patient randomized control trial pilot and full-scale study in 2016 with relatively small funding resources and administrative overhead. Results: Researchers from two schools of nursing assembled a tool box to guide the planning, implementation, data management, and dissemination phases of research, including practical strategies for success and alternative solutions to overcome challenges encountered. Conclusion: This conceptual paper enables readers to consider how a systematic approach ensures consistency across multiple data collection sites.