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Simulation-Based Education in US Undergraduate Medical Education: A Descriptive Study
Krystle K Campbell1, Kristen E Wong, Anne Marie Kerchberger
1From the UT Southwestern Simulation Center (K.K.C.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine (K.E.W.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine (A.M.K.), Washington University of St Louis, St Louis, MO; and Simulation Center (J.L.), Department of Surgery (D.J.S.), and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (M.S.S.).
Simulation-based education (SBE) is widely adopted in US medical schools, offering experiential learning. However, there
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Simulation-Based Education
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Simulation-based education (SBE) enhances experiential learning, improves patient care quality, and reduces medical errors.
- The Association of American Medical Colleges reported SBE adoption in 68.0% of medical schools and 25.0% of teaching hospitals in 2011.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine current trends in SBE integration within American undergraduate medical education.
- To assess the prevalence and scope of SBE since prior national publications.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to postgraduate year 1 residents from 2016-2019 at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
- The survey assessed simulation experience across 26 clinical tasks (procedural, communication, other) and collected demographic data.
Main Results:
- 92.3% response rate from 139 US medical schools; 91% from allopathic programs.
- Most simulated procedural task: suturing (89.6%). Least simulated: thoracentesis (80.9%).
- Most simulated communication task: taking a history (51.1% >30 simulations). Least simulated: obtaining consent (73.2%) and disclosing errors (72.4%).
- Most simulated 'other' task: chest compressions (96.0%). Least simulated: operating a defibrillator (22.1%).
- No significant difference in SBE exposure between allopathic and osteopathic students (P=0.89).
Conclusions:
- This study confirms a high prevalence of SBE adoption nationwide, exceeding 2011 figures.
- SBE exposure is equitable across allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
- Despite widespread use, opportunities exist to enhance SBE for critical communication skills training.
