Background:
The clinical laboratory employs Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) extensively to describe work activities and to provide consistency in performing the steps or actions required within and between laboratories. The goal of a successful SOP is to ensure precise and accurate results through consistent performance of critical tasks. The SOP manual is regarded as the gold standard resource and all workers should be performing tasks according to these work instructions. However, this does not always occur, leading to questions about how well the real world processes reflect the SOP. The primary objective of the Laboratory Simulation Research Group (LabSiRG) is to explore the use of in situ simulation in developing and evaluating SOPs. LabSiRG has used in situ simulation in several areas in laboratory medicine to evaluate adherence to SOPs, observe process and human factors issues, and make recommendations for changes that increase relevance and compliance.

Workshop Description:
Participants will be facilitated through planned activities that demonstrate how in situ simulation can be advantageous in many stages of SOP development and use. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to use simulation to:
1) Develop more relevant SOPs that closely reflect local contexts
2) Evaluate process issues with existing SOPs