SIMULATION IN MEDICAL EDUCATION: HISTORY OF THE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Simulation may be a useful tool to improve clinical skills during the professional medical training. In this work we consider simulation as artificial representation of a certain real-world system, process or situation used for professional training. This tool is designed to enhance clinical competence and to provide medical teaching in controlled and safe conditions without any risks for both patients and students. Using simulation teaching allows students to acquire occupational skills through making mistakes and learning from them without the fear of being distressed or distressing the patient before the first independent manipulations will have been done. Moreover, simulation aids are designed to provide accurate assessment of the quality of the manipulation performed. The aim of this article is to review the history and methodology of simulation teaching in medical education. The simulation as a teaching tool has been known in medicine since ancient times. Aviation and airspace industries have been using simulation-based training for many years and medical education has borrowed some approaches from them. In the sixties of the last century there was created a simulation system for cardiopulmonary resuscitation; in 1964 actors were invited to play roles of patients and soon, in 1968, a cardiologic patient simulator were created. During the last two decades of the XX century there were designed software and computerized systems that could imitate physiological reactions. At present, interactive virtual training programs are being extensively introduced into educational activity. In 2014 the first Ukrainian Training and Innovation Centre for Practical Medical Training was established. The effectiveness of simulation training has been confirmed by extensive use throughout the world for many years. Together with conventional time-tested methods, simulation is a powerful educational tool as it imitates real occupational tasks.