Abstract

Simulation education in undergraduate medical education: Implications for development of a rural graduate-entry programme

Author(s): Dr Robyn A Hill,Dr Debra Nestel,Ms Am�©lie T Dinsdale,Dr Brendan Flanagan,Professor Chris A Browne

Introduction: Simulation as an adjunct to real clinical experience is growing in importance in undergraduate medical education. In 2007 we investigated current use of simulation for teaching clinical skills to predict future applications in our rural graduate-entry medical programme.

Methods: Our interview-based study investigation focussed on the use of simulation in undergraduate (school-leaver) programmes at the two medical schools existing in the State of Victoria, Australia. The focus of the investigation was on staff, facilities and equipment with emphasis on the procedural skills taught and assessed using simulation. Respondents (faculty and students) were selected purposively. Interviews were conducted using a topic guide. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results: Faculty and students supported the use of simulation and made recommendations for optimal use and increased applications. Simulation was most commonly used for patient interactions (simulated patients) and for technical aspects of procedural skills. However, experiences of faculty and students were highly variable and opportunistic. Examples of excellent practice included the use of simulation for raising awareness of patient safety. Faculty sought professional development to make better use of existing applications and consider new ways of working with simulation.

Conclusion: Simulation as an educational method will expand in medical curricula. This study has identified issues relevant to existing and developing programmes that use simulation. We make recommendations for medical schools developing simulation based education in regional locations.