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Enhancing Knowledge Retention by Simulation-Based Learning Among First-Year Medical Students
Nimarpreet Kaur1, Bhupendra Yadav2, Deepti Dwivedi1
1Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, IND.
Cureus
|September 10, 2025
Summary
Simulation-based learning (SBL) significantly improved medical students' skills and confidence. This training method is highly effective for beginners, enhancing critical thinking and clinical orientation in medical education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physiology Training
- Simulation Technology
Background:
- Simulation-based training (SBT) is a mandatory component of Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) since 2023.
- SBT develops technical and non-technical skills in a safe environment, improving preparedness for real medical scenarios.
- Compared to traditional methods, SBT enhances skill acquisition, retention, confidence, and reflective practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based learning (SBL) in improving the understanding of Cardiovascular System (CVS) modules among first-year MBBS students.
- To assess student and faculty satisfaction with SBL implementation.
- To compare SBL with traditional teaching methods in medical physiology.
Main Methods:
- 150 first-year MBBS students participated in the study.
- Students received traditional teaching followed by SBL modules in a simulation lab.
- Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPE) and multiple-choice questions (MCQ) were used for assessment, alongside pre- and post-tests.
- Student and faculty feedback, including satisfaction surveys and thematic analysis of open-ended questions, were collected.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvement in OSPE scores (mean pre-test 7.27 ± 1.29 to post-test 12 ± 1.64).
- Significant improvement in MCQ scores, with lowest scores increasing from 4 to 11 and highest from 9 to 20.
- High student satisfaction with SBL (Satisfaction Index [SI] 92.8 for usefulness), though some noted difficulty connecting with simulators (SI 81.6).
- Faculty found the simulation lab informative (highest SI) but faced challenges in module preparation (SI 61.7).
Conclusions:
- Simulation-based learning (SBL) is an effective educational strategy that enhances learning outcomes and clinical orientation for medical students.
- SBL promotes critical thinking and concept clarity, particularly beneficial for beginners in basic sciences.
- Incorporating SBL from the first year of medical school is recommended to optimize its benefits.
