Designing and using computer simulations in medical education and training: an introduction

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Medical Simulation
• Learning Science

Background:

• Computer-based learning technologies are increasingly vital for education and training.
• The Department of Defense (DoD) can leverage these technologies for preparing technologically adept service members.
• Military medicine faces diverse training needs, from basic first aid to advanced combat medic skills, addressable by gaming and simulation.

Discussion:

• Medical games and simulation are currently limited to elite training programs but show potential for broader application.
• These technologies can augment expert mentorship in medical education.
• The review focuses on computer games and simulation for teaching and assessing medical knowledge and skills.

Key Insights:

• Gaming and simulation technologies align with the preferences of the new generation of service members.
• There is a need to expand the use of these technologies beyond specialized medical training.
• The study aims to inform the development of guidelines and a research roadmap for their implementation.

Outlook:

• Widespread adoption in training first responders and allied health care providers is anticipated.
• Further research and development are crucial for integrating these tools effectively into military medicine.
• This work will guide the future of computer-based medical education within the DoD.