Hidden identity simulation: Using secret character roles to practice navigating event medical team dynamics

Interdisciplinary medical teams often collaborate for the first time at mass-gathering events. Simulation helps participants navigate interpersonal dynamics. A gamified simulation could offer an engaging, low-stakes method to introduce emotionally charged topics like team conflict. Hidden Identity Simulation (HID SIM) is a gamified simulation where participants with randomly assigned secret character roles (e.g. ‘The Know-It-All’) navigate diverse personalities while managing a case. A debrief highlights team dynamic management strategies. A serotonin toxicity case was piloted using HID SIM in a simulation theatre. Twenty-nine participants randomly selected character cards that outline personality descriptions and conditions that modify character intensity. Participants responded positively, rating HID SIM 4.75/5 overall and 4.43/5 for engagement (n = 28). ‘Less stressful than anticipated’ scored 3.54/5 (n = 28), and ‘less stressful than other simulations’ was rated 3.68/5 (n = 19). Participants rated their pre-/post-simulation self-efficacy in several teamwork and medical competencies. All competencies showed statistically significant increases (p Future steps include writing new character cards, expanding HID SIM to other clinical settings, and designing customized decks targeting specific team dynamics.