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Anatomy of the clinical simulation
1Office of Educational Development, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine.
Summary
Computer-based clinical simulations in medical education have evolved significantly over 25 years. Designers must carefully choose simulation elements and structure to optimize learning experiences.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Technology
- Clinical Simulation Design
Background:
- Computer-based clinical simulations have been integral to medical education for 25 years.
- Simulation technology has advanced from mainframes to multimedia platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the design decisions and structural options available for computer-based clinical simulations.
- To understand how implementation choices shape the character of educational simulations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of design elements in computer-based clinical simulations.
- Review of structural options for simulation development.
Main Results:
- Simulation designers must decide on explicit vs. implicit elements and intervention timing.
- Key design choices include patient encounter structure, data request methods, information disclosure, clinical finding interpretation, case progression, feedback mechanisms, and case creation methods.
Conclusions:
- The specific characteristics of computer-based clinical simulations are determined by the implementation of various design and structural options.
- Thoughtful consideration of these options is crucial for effective medical education simulations.