Training and assessment of trauma management: the role of simulation-based medical education

Simulation-based medical education (SBME) offers a safe and "mistake-forgiving" environment to teach and train medical professionals. The diverse range of medical simulation modalities enables trainees to acquire and practice an array of tasks and skills. SBME offers the field of trauma training multiple opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of the education provided in this challenging domain. In this article, the authors describe the possible roles of simulated patients, skills trainers, computerized patient simulators, and web-based teaching in trauma training, and describe some practical aspects of using simulation for trauma training.