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"Practicing" medicine without risk: students' and educators' responses to high-fidelity patient simulation
J A Gordon1, W M Wilkerson, D W Shaffer
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, CLN 115, Boston, MA 02114-2696, USA. jgordon3@partners.org
Summary
Medical simulation training using high-fidelity patient simulators received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and educators. This innovative "practice without risk" technology is highly valued, though cost remains a consideration.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Healthcare Simulation Technology
Background:
- High-fidelity patient simulation offers a novel approach to medical training.
- This technology allows for risk-free practice of clinical skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess medical students' and educators' perceptions of high-fidelity patient simulation.
- To identify the perceived benefits and drawbacks of this simulation technology.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 27 medical students and 33 educators.
- Data collected via surveys (multiple-choice and open-ended questions) and focus groups.
- Qualitative analysis of transcribed comments and thematic analysis by a focus group.
Main Results:
- 85% of students and 85% of educators rated the simulation experience as excellent or very good.
- Over 80% of both groups supported mandatory simulator-based training for all medical students.
- Key themes included realism, educational utility, critical thinking promotion, and desire for more practice sessions.
Conclusions:
- High-fidelity patient simulation garners highly positive responses from both students and educators.
- The benefits of risk-free practice must be balanced against the associated costs of the technology.