In-Person Healthcare Simulation: An Umbrella Review of the Literature

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Simulation Research

Background:

• Extensive research exists on the effectiveness of in-person simulation-based education (SBE).
• An umbrella review is necessary to synthesize collective findings and address literature gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze collective findings on in-person SBE effectiveness.
• To identify effective modalities, methods, and measurements in SBE.
• To explore major themes related to SBE outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an umbrella review (systematic review of systematic reviews).
• Adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Performed a descriptive analysis of existing SBE research.

Main Results:

• Confirmed a need for higher-quality research: increased rigor, larger sample sizes, more randomized controlled trials, mixed methods, and longitudinal studies.
• Identified common issues across systematic reviews regarding research approaches.
• Found that in-person SBE improves technical and nontechnical skills, as well as behavioral and attitudinal changes.

Conclusions:

• In-person simulation-based education is effective in improving learning outcomes.
• Significant improvements are needed in research methodology, standardization of terminology, and global diversity in SBE studies.
• Increased research funding is crucial to support these necessary advancements.