Simulated ward round: reducing costs, not outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Distractions and interruptions in clinical settings present significant patient safety risks.
• Medical students often lack adequate training in managing these in-hospital disruptions.
• Existing training models are resource-intensive, hindering widespread curricular integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the educational effectiveness of a cost-efficient simulated ward round focused on patient safety.
• To determine if a group feedback model can maintain educational utility while reducing costs.

Main Methods:

• A cost-reduced simulated ward round was conducted with final-year medical students.
• Feedback was provided in groups, not individually, to minimize costs and simulation time.
• Student performance was assessed through self-evaluation and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) patient safety station.

Main Results:

• The simulation's direct costs were over 50% lower per student compared to previous models.
• Students demonstrated improved management of distractions and achieved higher OSCE scores.
• 94% of participants felt the simulation would enhance their ability to handle distractions and improve safety.

Conclusions:

• Simulated ward rounds can be made significantly more cost-effective without compromising educational value.
• This approach encourages the integration of ward simulation into medical school curricula.
• Implementing such simulations can better prepare future doctors to manage ward-based challenges and enhance patient safety.