Effectiveness of simulation-based training in medical education: Assessing the impact of simulation-based training on clinical skills acquisition and retention: A systematic review

Abstract

Simulation-based training has gained popularity as an educational strategy in medical education, and while research on its effectiveness is growing, the evidence remains limited in quality and quantity. Background: Simulation-based training is increasingly recognized as a valuable educational approach in medical settings. Despite a growing body of research exploring its effectiveness, the available evidence is still constrained in terms of both quality and quantity. Methods: To assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training in medical education, a systematic review was conducted. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental studies comparing simulation-based training to either no intervention or traditional training methods. The outcomes of interest focused on clinical skills acquisition and retention. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall effectiveness of simulation-based training in medical education. Conclusion: Simulation-based training proves to be an effective educational strategy for acquiring and retaining clinical skills in medical education. The evidence suggests its superiority over no intervention and, in some cases, traditional training methods. However, the mixed quality of evidence highlights the need for further high-quality research to confirm these findings. This systematic review seeks to comprehensively evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on the acquisition and retention of clinical skills among medical professionals.