Moving towards deep equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility in simulation: a call to explore the promises and perils.

Abstract

Principles and issues of equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility (EDIA) are being explored currently in simulation designs and trainings but with limited depth, often raising more questions than answers. This editorial invites the broader healthcare simulation community to move beyond the superficial to explore more expansively and deeply these issues of EDIA within simulation. Simulation is the very environment and context from which we may confront how existing (power) structures can be dismantled and re-envisioned for more optimal redistribution of participation, power, and benefits. We can use simulation to experiment with variations of these realities, and start exploring consequences of such alternatives to benefit our broader health systems and societies. Simulation uniquely combines opportunities for experience, reflection, application and active experimentation, enabling a ripe ground for this study. In fact, it is the responsibility of simulation educators to take up this challenge, and to engage in meaningful scholarship to understand more about the impact of simulation in exploring EDIA topics. This editorial invites contributions of empirical and theoretical works that advance our collective understanding of EDIA, while also cautioning against complacency. The simulation community is urged to look inwards and also examine its own practices critically, in spite of the uncertainty, vulnerability and risks that this presents.