Simulation-based education (SBE) provides a safe and effective learning environment for learners. Historically, simulation has been widely used in military and aviation training, and was only introduced into medical education in the 1960s. In the last 20 years, concerns about patient safety have given the impetus to develop SBE in healthcare professionals training. This method of learning allows specific clinical task and situation to be created in a simulated environment with mannequins, part-task trainers, and standardised patients, or with computer-generated simulations and even virtual reality to provide a realistic experience for the learners. Simulation provides a learning experience without the risks associated with the real event that may cause harm to learners themselves, their patients or others. The experience may be repeated until competence is achieved, while different level of difficulty may be introduced to challenge the learners. The experiential simulated event coupled with a structured approached to debrief the experience have been shown to be an effective learning method. Simulation is now commonly used in the training of clinical skills, problem solving, decision making, and team communication and interaction. Despite its popularity, significant challenges remained in the appropriate use of simulation in medical education and healthcare professional training where consistent standards of training must be assured and maintained, and that best practices in the application of simulation are supported by evidence of effectiveness. The lecture will explore the historical perspectives, current practices and challenges in the development of simulation training for healthcare professionals.
Co-location with:
