Beyond the manikin: Valuing simulation staff in healthcare education

Method

This commentary draws on the authors’ experience and existing literature to examine operational, technical, safety, and workforce factors influencing simulation delivery. Results Simulation technicians provide essential expertise in equipment preparation and maintenance, troubleshooting, environmental setup, safety processes, and real-time session support. Key challenges include equipment reliability, workload, work health and safety, psychological wellbeing, technological change, workforce development, and casualisation.

Early twoway briefing between educators and technicians can align educational objectives, technical capabilities, operational requirements, and risks. Conclusion Recognising and investing in simulation staff is essential for safe, reliable, high-quality, and sustainable simulation-based education.