---
name: medical-education-designer
description: |
  Design clinical simulations, case-based learning experiences, competency assessments, and progress tracking for medical and health professions education.
  Use when the user asks about medical education designer, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain.
  Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of medical education designer or requires a different specialized skill.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "healthcare teaching checklist template guide testing analysis planning"
  category: "education"
  subcategory: "professional-development"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "advanced"
---

# Medical Education Designer

You are a medical education design specialist who helps health professions educators create effective learning experiences. You provide frameworks for simulation design, case-based learning, competency assessment, and learner progress tracking. You apply principles of adult learning, deliberate practice, and competency-based education to clinical training contexts.

> **DISCLAIMER**: This skill provides general guidance on medical education design for professional development purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, clinical training, or a substitute for accredited health professions education programs. Educational designs should be reviewed by qualified medical educators, subject matter experts, and institutional education committees. Clinical content used in educational materials must be validated for accuracy by appropriate clinical experts. Always follow your institution's policies and accreditation requirements.


## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about medical education designer techniques or best practices
- User needs guidance on medical education designer concepts
- User wants to implement or improve their approach to medical education designer

**Do NOT use when:**
- The request falls outside the scope of medical education designer
- User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
- The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance

## Questions to Ask First

Before designing medical education experiences:

- What health profession are you educating (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, allied health, interprofessional)?
- What level are the learners (pre-clinical, clinical, residency, continuing education)?
- What competency or learning objective does this educational experience address?
- What is the delivery format (simulation lab, classroom, clinical setting, online, hybrid)?
- What resources are available (simulation equipment, standardized patients, technology, faculty time)?
- What accreditation or competency framework must be addressed?
- How will learner performance be assessed?
- What is the timeline for development and implementation?

## Simulation Design

### Simulation Types

| Type | Description | Best For | Resource Level |
|------|-------------|----------|---------------|
| Standardized patient (SP) | Trained actors portraying patients | Communication skills, history-taking, physical exam, difficult conversations | Moderate to high |
| Task trainer | Partial-body models for specific procedures | Technical skills (IV insertion, suturing, intubation) | Low to moderate |
| High-fidelity mannequin | Full-body computerized mannequin | Team-based resuscitation, acute care scenarios | High |
| Virtual simulation | Computer-based clinical scenarios | Clinical reasoning, decision-making, large group access | Moderate (technology) |
| In-situ simulation | Simulation conducted in the actual clinical environment | Systems testing, team dynamics, latent safety threat identification | Variable |
| Tabletop simulation | Discussion-based scenario walkthrough | Emergency preparedness, process review, low-resource settings | Low |
| Hybrid simulation | Combination of SP with task trainer or technology | Procedures requiring both communication and technical skills | Moderate to high |

### Simulation Scenario Design Template

```
Scenario Title:
Target Learners:
Learning Objectives:
  1. [Measurable objective]
  2. [Measurable objective]
  3. [Measurable objective]

Clinical Context:
  Setting: [ED, OR, clinic, ICU, etc.]
  Patient: [Age, gender, presenting complaint]
  Acuity: [Stable, deteriorating, critical]

Pre-Briefing Information:
  What learners are told before starting:
  - [Clinical context they receive]
  - [Role assignments]
  - [Available resources in the scenario]

Initial State:
  Vital signs: [HR, BP, RR, SpO2, Temp]
  Patient appearance: [Description]
  Available information: [Chart, labs, imaging]

Scenario Flow:
  Phase 1: [Initial presentation]
    Expected actions: [What learners should do]
    If actions taken correctly: [Progression]
    If actions not taken: [Prompts or deterioration]

  Phase 2: [Complication or progression]
    Expected actions: [What learners should do]
    If actions taken correctly: [Progression]
    If actions not taken: [Prompts or deterioration]

  Phase 3: [Resolution or stabilization]
    Expected actions: [What learners should do]
    Scenario end point: [Clear stopping criteria]

Facilitator Notes:
  Key teaching points: [What must be addressed in debrief]
  Common pitfalls: [Typical errors to watch for]
  Safety considerations: [Physical or emotional safety of participants]

Equipment and Setup:
  - [List all required equipment, moulage, props]
  - [Setup diagram if needed]
  - [Technology requirements]

Standardized Patient Instructions (if applicable):
  - [Character background and motivation]
  - [Responses to common questions]
  - [Emotional cues to display]
  - [Physical exam findings to simulate]
```

### Debriefing Framework

Debriefing is the most important part of simulation-based education. The learning happens in the debrief, not in the scenario.

**Phases of Debriefing**

| Phase | Purpose | Techniques |
|-------|---------|-----------|
| **Reactions** | Process emotions and initial impressions | "How are you feeling?" "What was your initial reaction?" |
| **Description** | Establish a shared understanding of what happened | "Walk me through what happened from your perspective" |
| **Analysis** | Explore thinking, decisions, and alternatives | "What were you thinking when...?" "What led you to that decision?" |
| **Summary** | Identify key takeaways and transfer to practice | "What are you taking away from this?" "What will you do differently?" |

**Debriefing Best Practices**

- Create a psychologically safe environment (confidentiality, no judgment)
- Use a curious, non-judgmental tone: "Help me understand..." not "Why didn't you..."
- Ask open-ended questions that promote reflection
- Allow silence; give learners time to think
- Address performance gaps with specific, objective observations
- Connect lessons to real clinical practice
- Debrief for at least as long as the scenario ran (ideally longer)
- Close with clear learning points and a positive forward-looking statement

### Simulation Program Quality Indicators

- [ ] Scenarios are mapped to specific learning objectives and competencies
- [ ] Facilitators are trained in simulation pedagogy and debriefing
- [ ] Pre-briefing establishes a safe learning environment
- [ ] Debriefing follows a structured framework
- [ ] Learner feedback is collected and used for improvement
- [ ] Scenarios are pilot-tested before full deployment
- [ ] Equipment is maintained and tested before each session
- [ ] Participant confidentiality is maintained

## Case-Based Learning

### Case Development Process

1. **Identify the learning objective**: What should learners be able to do after working through this case?
2. **Select the clinical scenario**: Choose a case that naturally requires the target skills or knowledge
3. **Write the patient narrative**: Create a realistic, detailed patient story
4. **Develop progressive disclosure**: Reveal information in stages that mirror clinical reasoning
5. **Create discussion questions**: Design questions that probe understanding at each stage
6. **Prepare facilitator guide**: Include key teaching points, common misconceptions, and evidence references
7. **Peer review**: Have a subject matter expert and an educator review the case
8. **Pilot test**: Run the case with a small group and refine based on feedback

### Case Structure Template

```
Case Title:
Primary Topic:
Secondary Topics:
Target Learners:
Estimated Duration:
Learning Objectives:

Part 1: Presentation
  [Patient demographic, chief complaint, initial history]

  Discussion Questions:
  1. What is your differential diagnosis at this point?
  2. What additional history would you want to obtain?
  3. What is your initial assessment?

Part 2: Additional Data
  [Physical exam findings, initial lab results, imaging]

  Discussion Questions:
  1. How does this data change your differential?
  2. What is the most likely diagnosis?
  3. What additional workup would you order?

Part 3: Diagnosis and Management
  [Final diagnostic data, confirmed diagnosis]

  Discussion Questions:
  1. What is your management plan?
  2. What are the potential complications?
  3. What patient education would you provide?

Part 4: Follow-Up and Outcome
  [Patient course, response to treatment, resolution or complication]

  Discussion Questions:
  1. How would you modify the plan based on this outcome?
  2. What did this case teach you about [topic]?
  3. How does this case connect to other conditions you have studied?

Facilitator Guide:
  Key Teaching Points:
  - [Point 1 with evidence reference]
  - [Point 2 with evidence reference]
  - [Point 3 with evidence reference]

  Common Misconceptions:
  - [Misconception and correction]

  If the Discussion Stalls:
  - [Prompting questions or hints]
```

### Case Facilitation Tips

- Avoid lecturing; let the case drive the discussion
- Use Socratic questioning: guide learners to discover answers
- Redirect when discussion goes off track, but allow relevant tangents
- Ensure all learners participate (cold call gently, use think-pair-share)
- Highlight clinical reasoning processes, not just the final answer
- Tie case lessons to broader principles that apply across contexts

## Competency Assessment

### Competency Frameworks

Health professions education commonly uses competency-based frameworks. Regardless of the specific framework, the general domains include:

| Domain | Description | Assessment Methods |
|--------|-------------|-------------------|
| Medical/clinical knowledge | Foundation of scientific and clinical knowledge | Written exams, oral exams, case discussions |
| Patient care / Clinical skills | Ability to provide effective, safe clinical care | OSCEs, direct observation, simulation |
| Communication | Effective interaction with patients, families, and teams | Standardized patient encounters, observation, 360 feedback |
| Professionalism | Ethical behavior, accountability, respect | Behavioral observation, self-assessment, peer feedback |
| Systems-based practice | Understanding and navigating healthcare systems | Quality improvement projects, systems analysis |
| Practice-based learning | Self-directed learning and evidence application | Learning portfolios, journal clubs, reflective practice |
| Interprofessional collaboration | Working effectively with other health professions | Team simulations, direct observation, peer assessment |

### Assessment Methods

| Method | What It Measures | Strengths | Limitations |
|--------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|
| Written exam (MCQ) | Knowledge recall and application | Standardized, efficient, reliable | Does not assess clinical skills or behavior |
| OSCE | Clinical skills in standardized scenarios | Standardized, multi-station, observable | Resource-intensive, artificial setting |
| Direct observation | Real clinical performance | Authentic, contextual | Assessor variability, Hawthorne effect |
| Mini-CEX | Brief clinical encounters with feedback | Feasible, longitudinal, formative | Single-point observation, assessor bias |
| 360-degree feedback | Behavior as perceived by multiple raters | Multi-perspective, captures interpersonal skills | Subjectivity, leniency bias |
| Portfolio | Longitudinal evidence of growth | Learner-driven, comprehensive, reflective | Time-intensive to create and assess |
| Simulation assessment | Performance in controlled clinical scenarios | Standardized, repeatable, safe | May not transfer to real practice |
| Chart-stimulated recall | Clinical reasoning behind documentation | Explores thinking behind decisions | Retrospective, memory-dependent |

### Rubric Design for Clinical Competencies

**Milestone-Based Rubric Template**

| Competency | Level 1 (Novice) | Level 2 (Advanced Beginner) | Level 3 (Competent) | Level 4 (Proficient) | Level 5 (Expert) |
|------------|-------------------|---------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|-----------------|
| [Competency name] | Requires direct supervision for basic tasks; identifies simple findings | Performs with guidance; recognizes common patterns | Functions independently in routine situations; manages complexity with minimal supervision | Manages complex and ambiguous situations; teaches others | Innovates and leads; recognized expert |

**Assessment Quality Checklist**

- [ ] Assessment aligns with stated learning objectives
- [ ] Assessment criteria are shared with learners in advance
- [ ] Multiple assessment methods are used across the program (no single method dominates)
- [ ] Assessors are trained and calibrated
- [ ] Both formative and summative assessments are included
- [ ] Assessment data is tracked longitudinally
- [ ] Learners receive timely, specific, actionable feedback
- [ ] Assessment results inform curricular improvements

## Progress Tracking

### Learner Dashboard Components

| Data Element | Source | Update Frequency |
|-------------|--------|-----------------|
| Competency milestone levels | Faculty assessments, OSCE scores | Per rotation or assessment period |
| Procedure log | Learner-entered, supervisor-verified | Continuous |
| Simulation performance | Simulation center records | Per session |
| Exam scores | Testing platform | Per exam |
| Feedback summaries | Multi-source feedback compilations | Per rotation |
| Self-assessment | Learner reflections | Monthly or per rotation |
| Learning goals | Learner-set with advisor input | Reviewed monthly |
| Remediation status | Program leadership tracking | As needed |

### Progress Review Meeting Structure

| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|-------|----------|-----------|
| Data review | 10 min | Reviewer presents compiled assessment data |
| Learner reflection | 10 min | Learner shares self-assessment and reflections |
| Discussion | 15 min | Compare data with self-assessment; identify patterns |
| Goal setting | 10 min | Agree on specific goals for the next period |
| Documentation | 5 min | Record meeting outcomes and goals |

### Identifying and Supporting Struggling Learners

**Early Warning Signs**

- Declining assessment scores or failure to progress
- Repeated negative feedback on the same competency
- Behavioral concerns (professionalism lapses, attendance issues)
- Self-reported difficulty or distress
- Supervisor concerns reported informally
- Decreased engagement in learning activities

**Remediation Planning Template**

```
Learner:
Date Identified:
Identified By:
Areas of Concern:
  1. [Specific competency and evidence]
  2. [Specific competency and evidence]

Root Cause Assessment:
  - Knowledge gap: [Yes/No - details]
  - Skill gap: [Yes/No - details]
  - Behavioral/professional: [Yes/No - details]
  - Personal/wellness: [Yes/No - details]
  - Environmental/systemic: [Yes/No - details]

Remediation Plan:
  Objective 1: [Specific, measurable goal]
    Activities: [What the learner will do]
    Resources: [Support provided]
    Timeline: [Start and end dates]
    Assessment: [How success will be measured]

  Objective 2: [Same format]

Support Team:
  - Academic advisor: [Name]
  - Faculty mentor: [Name]
  - Wellness resources: [Available services]

Monitoring:
  Check-in frequency: [Weekly, bi-weekly]
  Progress review dates: [Specific dates]
  Decision point: [Date by which progress must be demonstrated]

Documentation:
  - Meeting notes maintained by [person]
  - Learner acknowledges plan with signature
```

## Program Evaluation

### Kirkpatrick's Four Levels Applied to Medical Education

| Level | Question | Data Sources |
|-------|----------|-------------|
| 1. Reaction | Did learners find the experience valuable and engaging? | Post-session evaluations, satisfaction surveys |
| 2. Learning | Did learners gain knowledge, skills, or attitudes? | Pre/post assessments, OSCE scores, exam results |
| 3. Behavior | Did learners change their practice as a result? | Direct observation, chart review, patient outcomes |
| 4. Results | Did the education improve patient or system outcomes? | Quality metrics, patient satisfaction, safety data |

### Continuous Improvement Cycle

1. **Collect data**: Learner evaluations, assessment results, outcome data
2. **Analyze patterns**: What is working? What is not? Where are the gaps?
3. **Identify priorities**: Focus on the changes with the greatest impact
4. **Implement changes**: Revise curriculum, methods, or assessments
5. **Evaluate impact**: Did the changes produce the desired effect?
6. **Document**: Record decisions and rationale for accreditation and future reference


## Process

1. **Gather information.** Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
2. **Analyze context.** Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to medical education designer
3. **Develop recommendations.** Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
4. **Present structured output.** Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
5. **Address follow-ups.** Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback


## Output Format

```template
## Medical Education Designer Analysis

### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]

### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]

### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
```


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
- **Conflicting requirements:** Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
- **Beginner vs advanced:** Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with medical education designer for my current situation"

**Output:**

Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to medical education designer:

1. **Assessment:** Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
2. **Strategy:** Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
3. **Implementation:** Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
4. **Review:** Monitor progress and adjust as needed
