Simulation is a bridge between theoretical knowledge and skills and attitudes in the context of clinical training. It is used for education, acquisition of skills, assessments, research and health system integration to ensure patient safety.
It is a bridge between classroom learning and clinical practice. It ranges from training of intramuscular injections over manikins to high fidelity cardiac and obstetric simulators where a simulated clinical scenario related to common abnormalities can be created through computerized platforms to enhance student’s psychomotor skills, critical thinking and clinical decision making skills in managing such conditions. These virtual activities will ensure patient safety in real life environments. Another advantage of simulation based learning is systematic learning as compared to opportunistic learning in hospitals, where students learn based on the availability of clinical cases. In simulated environments, students are free to make mistakes, receive feedback sessions and debriefings, and they are protected from the risk of acquiring serious infections in the form of needle stick injuries and others. Debriefing involves a reflective, critical thinking analysis of a simulation exercise.
It is an active process, driven by faculty and students, involving the identification and sharing of both the facts and the emotions associated with a simulated experience. The focus of the debriefing should be a positive experience that encourages students to critically think about what was done, what was not done and what could be done differently in the future. Debriefing will be facilitated by faculty. |
