Simulation-based medical education: Cost measurement must be comprehensive

Abstract

Zendejas et al 1 Zendejas B. Wang A.T. Brydges R. Hamstra S.J. Cook D.A. Cost: the missing outcome in simulation-based medical education research: a systematic review. Surgery. 2013; 153: 160-176 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (209) Google Scholar are to be praised for bringing much-needed rigor to the issue of cost and value in medical education generally, and cost and value in simulation-based medical education specifically. Simulation makes for a fascinating test bed for the evaluation of cost effectiveness in medical education—simulation-based education is often expensive and yet has great potential to be effective. Any analysis of cost effectiveness must start with an analysis of costs and so Zendejas et al 1 Zendejas B. Wang A.T. Brydges R. Hamstra S.J. Cook D.A. Cost: the missing outcome in simulation-based medical education research: a systematic review. Surgery. 2013; 153: 160-176 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (209) Google Scholar are correct to point out the importance of having a comprehensive method of measuring costs associated with simulation. However, we feel that their table outlining the “essential cost ingredients in simulation-based education” suffers from a number of omissions. Cost: The missing outcome in simulation-based medical education research: A systematic reviewSurgeryVol. 153Issue 2PreviewThe costs involved with technology-enhanced simulation remain unknown. Appraising the value of simulation-based medical education (SBME) requires complete accounting and reporting of cost. We sought to summarize the quantity and quality of studies that contain an economic analysis of SBME for the training of health professions learners. Full-Text PDF