What is the role of simulation in health informatics training?

Simulation is very applicable to health informatics training. Examples include: DHIS2 sandbox environments where trainees can practice data entry and analysis without affecting real data; simulated disease outbreak scenarios where trainees practice IDSR reporting and response; OpenMRS training instances with simulated patient data; and tabletop exercises that simulate health information system failures and require trainees to develop contingency plans. These simulation approaches provide safe learning environments where mistakes are learning opportunities rather than real-world consequences.

SSHIA uses simulation extensively in its training programmes. The DHIS2 training environment is a sandbox instance that mirrors the national DHIS2 configuration, allowing trainees to practice with realistic data and workflows. SSHIA is developing additional simulation scenarios for disease outbreak response and health information system resilience training.