Ibero-American consensus on learning outcomes for the acquisition of competencies by medical students through clinical simulation.

Abstract

Our aim was to reach expert consensus on specific learning outcomes (LOs) that can be achieved through clinical simulation aimed at developing the competencies that medical students need to be able to successfully manage patients and assume general clinical responsibilities. The six-member scientific committee peer-reviewed Spanish reference documentation (in line with the Bologna Process) on required competencies in medical undergraduate students to select an initial set of 16 competencies that could feasibly be developed through simulation and a corresponding set of 75 LOs. Snowball sampling was used to identify candidates for an international panel of simulation experts. Applying a set of pre-defined criteria, 19 panelists from seven Spanish-speaking regions were recruited to participate in a modified two-round Delphi procedure based on electronic questionnaires and aimed at reaching formal consensus on appropriate LOs for simulated medical training. Final agreement between the panelists was high: no mean score fell below 7.26 of a maximum of 9, and all 75 LOs were agreed on, 74 in the first round and only one requiring the second round. The 16 LOs with mean scores in the top 25th percentile were selected as a set of core LOs to attain via simulation. This Ibero-American consensus on observable and measurable LOs, reflecting competencies that can feasibly be developed via clinical simulation, is a framework that aims at helping medical schools' plans and delivering specific kinds of undergraduate medical training through simulation. It is also proposed in a set of core LOs as a starting point for less experienced schools to design a simulated training program.