The uses of simulation in anesthesiology training: a review of the current literature

Can anesthesia simulation be used successfully in training to improve the abilities of anesthesiologists and so result in decreased morbidity and mortality due to human error? In this review, computer simulation is examined as a training technique to reduce human error during the administration of anesthesia and as a method for studying how anesthetic accidents occur. Simulation is used successfully in other fields, such as aviation pilot training. A discussion of what defines human error will enable understanding of how computer simulation may be used to reduce it. Simulation of the anesthesia environment has been only recently developed. At this time there are at least two simulators which have been developed for the anesthesia environment. The two simulations are different in that one is strictly computer based. One reproduces the anesthesia monitors using computer graphics. The other, the Comprehensive Anesthesia Simulation Environment (CASE) simulation, attempts to reproduce the entire operating room. These two available simulators are discussed. It is presently unknown whether or not the use of simulation in anesthesia training improves the quality of that training. However, simulators necessary to answer this question are either available now or will be in the near future.