[High fidelity simulation in Spain: from dreams to reality]

Clinical simulation has emerged as a powerful new tool for the learning and assessment of different skills and attitudes in patient care, by using innovative technology such as high fidelity simulators (HFS).

To describe the current state of high fidelity clinical simulation in Spain and its principal characteristics.

Descriptive observational study that analyzes information on the clinical centers that have HFS in our country.

There are currently a total of 80 centers with HFS in our country, mainly distributed in university centers (43), hospital and emergency centers (27), simulation centers and institutes of simulation (5), and the rest (5) associated to entities of diverse ownership. The temporal development of HFS has been slowly progressive, with a significant growth in the last 6 years. The majority (74%) have specific facilities, auxiliary equipment (60%), and professionals with a shared commitment (80%). It is already integrated into the training programs in 56% of university centers with HFS.

The development of HFS has been remarkable in our country, and is mainly related to university undergraduate and postgraduate clinical medical education. It would be useful to design a network of simulation training centers of Health Sciences in Spain, which would be operational, sustainable and recognized, to optimize the use of these facilities.