The use of simulation in healthcare: from systems issues, to team building, to task training, to education and high stakes examinations

Curr Opin Crit Care. 2012 Aug;18(4):326-32. doi: 10.1097/MCC.0b013e328353fb49.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Simulation in healthcare is becoming increasingly used. This review will spotlight some of the uses of simulation in healthcare training.

Recent findings: Previously, evaluation of simulation training was typically from evaluations from trainees. Recent articles, however, have linked simulation training to actual patient outcomes and demonstrated skill retention up to 1 year. Objective measurements have demonstrated positive effects on healthcare education, have been successfully used in high stakes examinations, and have uncovered systems and patient safety issues.

Summary: This article will review some recent studies showing how simulation can have a positive effect on patient outcomes and skill retention, uncover systems issues related to patient safety, and how simulation can be used in credentialing, and other high stakes examinations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence*
  • Credentialing
  • Educational Status*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Patient Simulation*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United States