Simulation-Based Medical Education: A Boon for Medical Students? - An Integrative Review

Abstract

Simulation is a synthetic representation of a real-world process with sufficient reliability to facilitate learning through contemplation and practice without the hazard, innate in a real-life experience. Nowadays, simulation is a useful accompaniment to medical education as pre-exposure to necessary clinical skills as exposure in the real clinical setting may be insufficient. Clinical skills and performance are considered core proficiency and are crucial to the professionals. This can enable the students to familiarize themselves with patient examination and hands-on- training by using models before coming across patients directly. Simulators are broadly classified into two broad categories: 1. High-fidelity Simulators and 2. Low-fidelity simulators. The fidelity of a simulator is decided by the extent to which it provides realism through characteristics. Simulation Based Medical Education (SBME) provides a safe environment for the students to acquire their psychomotor skill but is not necessarily better than other types of instruction as there is a high degree of variability between studies. SBME has been introduced in the health care field and now it is becoming one of the most popular teaching techniques for improving patient safety and care. It would be advantageous if it is included in medical curricula as it may proof boon for the young medicos. Keywords: Medical simulation; SBME; Simulators