TITLE:
Simulation in Residency Training: A Review
AUTHORS:
Michael T. Flannery, Sharon Zahorsky
KEYWORDS:
Simulation; Internal Medicine; Education
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
26,
2014
ABSTRACT:
Background: Simulation suddenly came into the limelight of
regulation a few years ago when the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical
Education (ACGME) recommended simulation training without specifics. That left
internal medicine program directors confused as they tried to figure out what
was best for their residents. Summary: The author’s review discusses the
many issues and unanswered questions regarding simulation training. It appears
clear to this faculty member that residents enjoy the additional training to
make them more comfortable doing procedures related to their training. A few
studies mention longevity in retention of skills learned over time and very few
discuss the numbers of procedures to attain competency and outcome improvements
if they occur. Conclusion: This leaves several areas that need further
study on the effects of simulation training in residency and meeting the needs
of post-graduate descriptions via surveys following training. What kind of
procedures and clinical scenarios (codes, medical dilemmas, ethical/communication
issues), how often/how many, timing and appropriate measurements especially if
focusing on improved patient outcomes. This narrative summary utilized a review
focusing on simulation, internal medicine and various simulation outcomes.