Team performance training for medical students: Low vs high fidelity simulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Simulation-Based Training
• Team Performance

Background:

• Simulation-based training is crucial for developing non-technical skills in medical students.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different fidelity levels in simulation is essential for optimizing medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess a simulation-based team performance course for medical students.
• To compare the outcomes of low-fidelity versus high-fidelity simulation components.

Main Methods:

• Prospective crossover observational study design.
• Medical students participated in both low- and high-fidelity simulation sessions.
• Team performance was objectively measured using the TEAM™ tool and subjectively via questionnaires assessing confidence, stress, and presence.

Main Results:

• Objective team performance was higher in the low-fidelity intervention.
• Self-assessed confidence in non-technical skills improved overall, with no difference between interventions.
• High-fidelity simulation reported higher stress and presence levels but was rated higher by students (4.88/5 vs 4.74/5).

Conclusions:

• Both low- and high-fidelity simulations improved medical students' team performance.
• High-fidelity simulation offered greater realism and enhanced leadership, teamwork, and task management skills, despite increased stress.
• Future research should focus on skill retention and adaptability of simulation interventions.