Patient Simulation as an Active Learning Tool in Medical Education

Active learning techniques encourage students to participate in acquiring skills and knowledge. One technique that encourages active learning is patient simulation. Patient simulation tools can range from simple part-task trainers to complex high-fidelity simulators. A variety of human simulators can be used to teach basic patient care skills or more complex skills such as trauma management. Simulation research has demonstrated students can improve scores on standardized tests as well as improve their confidence. Research is still needed to address the long-term impact of patient simulation training. Although simulations have gained popularity, researchers caution that they should always be used as part of clinical education and not as a substitute.