An Educational Revolution and Innovative Technologies: The Role of Simulation

Abstract

Si mulation based education (SBE) reemerged an important part of lifelong learning, which is defined as the imitation of an actual case, event or behavior. There has been increased interest in using medical simulation due to lacking of practice, changing learning environment, increasing attention to human error, patient safety, communication problem, personal rights and freedoms. This approach has created a “tipping point” in the transition to simulation education as an effective tool based on competency, which is regarded as revolutionary change. SBE provides unique opportunities for learners to fill the gap between theory and practice as a teaching strategy in a safe environment. In fact, SBE is not new; it has long been a part of the education system across all fields such as military, aviation, nuclear power generation, business, medicine, and com puter science to maintain safety, to gain experience and to enhance evaluation of performance. However, high-fidelity simulation is a relatively new concept providing multi-task scenarios and many feedback options due to the increasing degree of realism in medical education. In this paper, the importance of simulation beyond just technology, wide variety of categories of simulations that range from simple to sophisticated regarding providing knowledge and skill after practices in the learning environment is discussed, and the multidimensional benefits and limitations of simulation are also mentioned. This article presents a general overview of SBE that will hopefully help to generate interest in using simulation.