Kootenai Health Simulation Program Earns International Accreditation

Kootenai Health’s Simulation Program has earned international accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare’s (SSH) Accreditation Council in the areas of Teaching and Education.

More than 1,000 simulation programs exist worldwide. Only 152 have earned accreditation. With the addition of Kootenai Health, only three programs in Idaho now have this accreditation. The other two are Boise State University and Intermountain Health.

This accreditation recognizes that Kootenai Health’s Simulation Program promotes world-class best practices in health care education and acknowledges its expertise in the field of simulation education.

“We are very proud of what this accreditation means for our program and our organization,” Simulations Operations Specialist Ashley Haug said. “By following best practices and standards in simulation, we provide a safe space for staff to learn and improve their confidence in providing safe, competent care to our patients.” 

The accreditation process requires lengthy documentation of processes, protocols and policies. A team of reviewers met with staff members who have participated in simulation event, as well as educators and leaders across the organization. The reviewers watched recorded simulations and participated in a virtual tour of Kootenai Health’s simulation center. The review team presented its findings to the SSH Board of Accreditation, which approved the application and awarded the accreditation, which is valid for five years.