Importance of simulation in undergraduate medical education with specific emphasis on preclinical phase – A narrative review

Abstract

Simulation is the answer in the current Indian scenario of more students, fewer patients, and more societal expectancy about competency from treating physicians. Incorporating simulation based training improves procedural skills, decreases patient related complications and thus enhances better clinical outcomes. Since simulation-based learning is based on experiential learning theory and deliberate practice theory, incorporating simulation-based medical education into the traditional curriculum will help us reach a desirable outcome. Simulation-based assessment is a valid and reliable tool of assessment and is used preferably in the form of OSCE/OSPE as a fundamental part of evaluation but is more commonly used for formative than summative assessment. We conducted a literature search in June 2022 in all the main databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline/PubMed. It has been accepted through various sources and reports that there is a need to improve patient safety in medical practice since simulation promotes the learner-centered approach, preferably should begin from preclinical years, and activity can be designed to obtain specific learning outcomes along with providing a safe and controlled environment and there a provision for repetition of activity with focused feedback.

Keywords

• medical education
• preclinical sciences
• simulation