[Competence-based Training in the "Protected Environment": From Sheltered Space to Real Life]

The idea of "learning in a protected environment" is frequently used within the framework of postgradual education in anaesthesiology. However it remains unclear and its exact meaning lies in the eye of the beholder. This paper aims to highlight the definition of the term "protected environment" and its relevance in anaesthesiology. This includes teaching and learning strategies like competence based training and simulation based training in all its variations. We conclude with an attempt to classify the wide variety of Simulators and teaching methods in use including their individual problems transferred into real life situations. Concerning the fact that this paper is supposed to be a review in medical education, its structure differs from case related papers with more medical content.