Simulation in a high stakes clinical performance exam.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Simulation
• Diagnostic Skills Assessment

Background:

• High-fidelity simulation is increasingly adopted for medical provider training.
• Advanced simulations enable testing of complex clinical scenarios.
• This study evaluated medical students' skills using a simulated stable pneumothorax case.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess third-year medical students' diagnostic and treatment skills.
• To compare simulation-based teaching with traditional methods.
• To evaluate student perceptions of the simulation experience.

Main Methods:

• A simulated stable pneumothorax case was used in a high-stakes Clinical Performance Exam.
• Students were assessed on diagnosis, management, and simulator interaction using a standardized checklist.
• Student feedback on the simulation experience was collected post-assessment.

Main Results:

• 98% of 117 students correctly diagnosed the stable pneumothorax.
• Majority of students opted for appropriate treatment (e.g., Emergency Department referral), but a significant percentage performed unnecessary procedures.
• 88% of students found the simulator a valuable educational tool, despite concerns about realism and distractions.

Conclusions:

• Simulation effectively assessed diagnostic and treatment skills for stable pneumothorax.
• A notable percentage of students performed potentially harmful, unnecessary procedures.
• Students desire more simulation-based education despite noted concerns regarding exam realism and distractions.