Simulation in anaesthesia

Abstract

Changes in medical practice that limit instruction time and patient availability, the expanding options for diagnosis and management, and advances in technology are contributing to greater use of simulation technology in anaesthesiology training. The impact of simulation training includes competency training, crisis-management training, retraining and certification, team training and behavioural change. Benefits of simulation technology include improvements in physical diagnosis and technical skills, and in acquisition and retention of knowledge in a fun and supportive environment compared with traditional methods of learning. In addition, simulation offers exposure to rare and dangerous adverse events, and allows the recreation of real near-miss and adverse events, as a novel way of improving awareness of events and performance. Learning through simulation offers a unique learning opportunity and has become a vital part of today's anaesthesiology curriculum.