Simulation: A View into the Future of Education

Abstract

With the growth of the research enterprise, and its increasing emphasis on laboratory research and the molecular basis of medicine, the education process has changed from an apprentice-based approach to one with intensive classroom learning and an unfortunate reduction in hands-on practice. Further, any clinical experience has become highly supervised, with learners being allowed very little responsibility for patient care and, consequently, not having the opportunity to develop the experience and skill needed to practice autonomously. Medical, nursing, and other healthcare students graduate without the confidence or practical knowledge that would allow them to be independent practicing professionals. Simulated clinical experience has been proposed as a solution to the urgent need to provide early and frequent clinical experience to healthcare learners. While no simulation can entirely replace actual clinical practice, there is much that can be taught about procedures, process, critical thinking, and decision making in an environment that supports practice and reflection, without the pressure of clinical responsibility. In this chapter, we review this new direction in education, and present examples of the many ways in which simulation will enrich the learning process in healthcare.