Simulation in medical education

• Main Authors: Hing Yu So, Phoon Ping Chen, George Kwok Chu Wong, Tony Tung Ning Chan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh 2019-03-01
• Series: The Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Subjects: debriefing; education; experiential; healthcare; interprofessional; simulation
• Online Access: https://www.rcpe.ac.uk/sites/default/files/jrcpe_49_1_so.pdf

Simulation is a method or technique to produce an experience without going through the real event. There are multiple elements to consider for a simulation programme, and technology is only one of the many dimensions. The ultimate goal is to engage learners to experience the simulated scenario followed by effective feedback and debriefing. Simulation is a useful modality to supplement training in real clinical situations because it enables control over the sequence of tasks offered to learners, provides opportunities to offer support and guidance to learners, prevents unsafe and dangerous situations, and creates tasks that rarely occur in the real world. It is also an effective method for interprofessional education. To use simulation effectively for education, particularly interprofessional team training, adult learning theory needs to be applied and effective feedback given. Future development in simulation depends on overcoming issues related to technology, research, cost and faculty development.