Characteristics of simulation activities at North American medical schools and teaching hospitals: an AAMC-SSH-ASPE-AACN collaboration

Simul Healthc. 2012 Dec;7(6):329-33. doi: 10.1097/SIH.0b013e318262007e.

Abstract

In September 2011, the Association of American Medical Colleges released the results of a survey conducted in 2010 on simulation activities at its member medical schools and teaching hospitals. In this commentary, we offer a synthesis of data and conclude that (1) simulation is used broadly at Association of American Medical Colleges member institutions, for many types of learners, including other health care professionals; (2) it addresses core training competencies and has many educational purposes; (3) its use in learner assessment is more prevalent at medical schools but is still significant at teaching hospitals; and (4) it requires a considerable investment of money, space, personnel, and time. These data confirm general perceptions about the state of simulation in North America for physician training. Future endeavors should include a more granular examination of how simulation is integrated into curricula, a similar survey of other health care-related institutions and professions, and a periodic assessment to characterize trends over time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Computer Simulation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Data Collection
  • Education, Medical / methods
  • Education, Medical / statistics & numerical data*
  • Education, Medical / trends
  • Educational Measurement / methods
  • Educational Measurement / statistics & numerical data
  • Hospitals, Teaching / methods
  • Hospitals, Teaching / statistics & numerical data*
  • Hospitals, Teaching / trends
  • Humans
  • Schools, Medical / statistics & numerical data*
  • Schools, Medical / trends
  • United States