Background Simulation via Instant Messaging - Birmingham Advance (SIMBA) is a simulation-based learning model increasing clinicians’ confidence in managing various clinical scenarios. The international team delivering SIMBA sessions is composed of medical students and junior doctors. Executing these sessions requires team members to lead peers, communicate with senior doctors, and delegate roles to ensure completion of case preparation, moderator training, and advertisement.

Objectives We studied whether SIMBA affects the leadership and teamwork skills of medical students and junior doctors.

Methods 33 medical students and junior doctors were included in the study based on their experience in leadership roles in SIMBA. Participants completed open-ended questions, Leadership Trait Questionnaire (LTQ) and Teamwork Skills Questionnaire (TSQ) twice; first as they would respond at present, and second as they would have responded prior to joining SIMBA. Pre- and post-SIMBA involvement scores were compared for each of the measured traits from both questionnaires and analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Common themes were identified and inductive thematic analysis was performed.

Results On average, each participant had spent six months in SIMBA. Post-SIMBA evaluation showed significant improvement in 9/14 LTQ traits (p<0.05), and all 6 TSQ traits (p<0.0001). The most notable improvements measured by the LTQ were in determined and persistent subscales, followed by dependable and diligent. The largest improvements observed by the TSQ were in decision-making, communication skills, and adaptability. Responses to open-ended questions reported positive effects on confidence, organisation, and interpersonal skills (n=28/33, 84.8%).

Conclusions Leadership and teamwork skills are vital for medical students and junior doctors. Our study proves that involvement with a novel platform such as SIMBA is effective in fostering these skills at an early career stage.