INTRODUCTION: Simulation fellowships and other comprehensive training programs for healthcare providers have grown exponentially. Despite common domains, competencies, objectives, and other characteristics of comprehensive simulation training programs published in the literature, consensus is lacking. This is a limitation for program implementation and accreditation standards. The purpose of this project was to develop a curricular framework for training simulation educators through the identification and definition of primary domains that inform program design. METHODS: A modified Delphi method, using a consensus panel of simulation experts, was chosen as it is a well-established means of achieving expert consensus. A priori consensus regarding 'simulation expert' inclusion criteria was established by the authors before inviting panelists. Three iterative rounds of the Delphi process were completed around the domains, subdomains and learning objectives of a simulation curriculum framework. RESULTS: Ten consensus domains and 27 subdomains were identified and validated by the consensus experts and the author group. Preliminary learning objectives were grouped under each subdomain. DISCUSSION: The validated domains and subdomains support a roadmap for designing comprehensive simulation training programs within a standardized framework and common nomenclature. It is recommended that simulation training programs next develop program-specific learning outcomes to align with the domains.
Roszczynialski et al. (2026) studied this question.