Simulation-Based Training During MBBS: A Technology to Prioritize.
-Written by Palak Gupta, Student at Maharishi Markendeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
What is Simulation-based-medical education (SBME)?
Simulation-based medical education (SBME) is a teaching and learning strategy that uses realistic simulations and virtual environments to provide medical students with opportunities to practice and develop their clinical skills and enhance knowledge without putting patients at risk. SBME can teach a wide range of skills, from basic procedures to complex clinical scenarios and team-based decision-making. This can include using high-fidelity mannequins, virtual reality simulations, or even role-playing exercises.

Integration of simulation-based learning in MBBS course
SBT can be integrated into the MBBS course at all stages of training starting right from the first year to the final year of the internship. Here are some specific ways explaining how SBT can be integrated into the MBBS course:
Anatomy: Students can use simulation to gain knowledge about the human body in a three-dimensional environment. For example, students can use virtual reality to explore the anatomy of the different body organs and systems such as the heart, brain, lungs etc.
Physiology: Students can use simulation to gain knowledge about the functioning of the human body. For example, students can use a patient simulator to practice measuring blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate etc.
Basic skills training: Simulation training can be used to teach students basic skills such as suturing, catheterization, and intubation, basic skills training, such as CPR and first aid
Procedural training: Simulation training can be used to teach students more complex procedures such as laparoscopic surgery and cardiac catheterization.
Communication skills: Students can use simulation to practice communicating with patients and their families, building doctor-patient relationships, and enhancing verbal skills. For example, students can practice delivering bad news, discussing treatment options with a simulated patient, and taking consent Crisis resource management: Students can use simulation to practice managing medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest and sepsis.
Patient safety training, such as how to prevent errors and adverse events.
The integration of SBT into the MBBS course is an important initiative towards improving the quality of medical education. SBT can help students develop the skills and knowledge that they need to become safe and competent doctors.
Here are some ways to integrate SBT into the MBBS course:
Start early: Introduce students to SBT in the early years of the course, so that they can get comfortable with the technology and develop the skills and confidence to use simulation effectively.
Integrate SBT into the daily curriculum: SBT should be integrated into the curriculum of MBBS education in a meaningful way so that students can see how it relates to the other topics they are learning.
Use a variety of simulation modalities: There are a variety of simulation modalities available, including patient mannequins, task trainers, and virtual reality environments. This will keep students engaged.
Provide feedback: Feedback is essential for learning. Provide students with feedback on their performance during simulation scenarios.
Make simulation accessible: Simulation should be accessible to all students. This means that simulation facilities should be available and affordable and that students should have the time to participate in simulation activities.
By following these tips, medical schools can integrate SBT into the MBBS course in a way that is effective and beneficial for students.
Credibility of simulation training in MBBS :
The credibility of simulation training in MBBS is supported by the fact that it is now widely accepted and introduced in the curriculum by various medical schools in India. the credibility of SBT is based on the following:
SBT uses high-fidelity simulators and virtual reality environments to create realistic clinical scenarios. This allows students to practice their skills in a safe and controlled environment, without putting patients at risk, thus reducing the number of medical errors and adverse events. Studies have shown that SBT can improve students’ clinical skills, knowledge, and boost their confidence.
SBT is endorsed by medical education organizations. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) both endorse the use of SBT in medical education.
Here are some specific examples of how SBT can improve medical student learning outcomes:
A study published in the journal “Medical Education” found that medical students who participated in SBT performed better on clinical skills assessments than students who did not participate in SBT.
A study published in the journal “Pediatrics” found that SBT improved medical students’ knowledge and confidence in managing pediatric emergencies.
Benefits of using simulation training during MBBS
There are various benefits to using simulation training in medical education. It allows medical students to practice various clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment, it provides students with opportunities to learn from their mistakes without causing any harm to patients, it allows students to develop teamwork and improve professional communication skills, it offers students to prepare for challenging clinical situations, it is effective in improving clinical skills and patient outcomes and lastly, simulation training provides an advantage by allowing a reduction in the number of medical errors and adverse events.
The attitude of MBBS students to stimulation training:
The attitude of MBBS students to simulation training is generally positive. Most students recognize and appreciate the various benefits that SBT offers during the MBBS course.
A study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that 72.5% of medical students had a favorable perception of simulation-based learning. They agreed that it was a useful tool that offered a good learning environment, fostered teamwork, improved professional communication, and helped students understand their roles and responsibilities.
Another study, conducted in India, found that 90.7% of medical students agreed that simulation can support the development of clinical skills.
Overall, MBBS students have a positive attitude towards simulation training. They recognize its benefits and are willing to participate in simulation-based learning programs.
Concerns of medical students to stimulation training:
MBBS students may encounter some concerns while enrolling in SBT. Some of the most common concerns include:
Cost: SBT can be expensive and thus students may be concerned about the cost of participating in simulation-based training programs.
Realism: Students may be concerned that simulation training is not realistic enough to adequately prepare them for real-world situations.
Replacement of real-patient interactions: Students may be concerned that simulation training does not involve real-patient interactions, which are essential for developing doctor-patient relationships.
Lack of access: Not all medical schools and hospitals in India have simulation centres, and students may not have access to simulation training if they are not enrolled in a program that offers it.
Lack of faculty support: Some faculty members may not be convinced of the advantages that simulation training offers, and students may not have the support they need from their faculty to participate in simulation-based training programs.
It is important to address these concerns to ensure that MBBS students have a positive experience with simulation training.
Medical schools can address these concerns by
Here are some things that can be done to address these concerns:
Cost: Medical schools can work to minimize the cost of simulation training for students. For example, they can offer scholarships to students who want to participate in simulation-based training programs.
Realism: Simulation centres can set up high-fidelity equipment and simulators that create a realistic clinical environment. They can also develop scenarios that are representative of the clinical cases that students will encounter in the real world.
Replacement of real-patient interactions: Simulation training should be used to supplement, not replace, real-patient interactions. Medical schools should ensure that students have a balance of both simulation training and real patient clinical exposure.
Lack of access: Medical schools should invest in simulation centres and make simulation training available to all students.
Lack of faculty support: Medical schools should encourage faculty to consider the benefits of simulation training and also encourage faculty members to participate in simulation-based training programs themselves.
By addressing the concerns of MBBS students, medical schools can ensure that simulation training is an effective and positive learning experience for all students.
Conclusion:
Simulation-based training is a vital part of the modern medical education system. It provides students with the skills and knowledge that are necessary to provide safe and effective care to their patients. Therefore, it is necessary to promote simulation-based training for medical students by
Developing a dedicated SBT centre, organizing SBT workshops and courses, integrating SBT into the regular medical school curriculum, providing students with opportunities to participate in SBT research and rewarding faculty who are actively participating in SBT.
By implementing and following these strategies, medical schools in India can effectively promote SBT and provide their students with the best possible training.
About the Author: My name is Palak Gupta and I am currently an intern at MMIMSR Ambala Haryana. I am from Ludhiana Punjab. I love research and am always open to research opportunities. I wrote this article describing the importance of simulation training during MBBS, as I myself benefited from and trained in various skills through this technology.
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