Simulation in healthcare: a new teaching method to improve patient safety and quality of care

Abstract

Simulation in medicine is a new method for teaching medical practice which aims at testing practice and/or behavior before its first use in real life. Simulation is based on various techniques and methods: from the simplest reproduction of patient-physician encounter to high-technology robotic devices. The most well-known technique is based on high-reliability mannequins used to teach critical situations. Simulation use as a teaching method requires specific teaching of instructors (particularly to perform well during debriefing sessions) and questions teaching methods and evaluation of students’ performance. Simulation can be useful whatever the underlying knowledge is and may increasingly be used even for non-medical personnel. The benefit of simulation as an important tool in increasing patients’ safety and quality of care remains elusive. Further research is still needed to assess its efficiency.