High fidelity simulation in undergraduate medical curricula: experience of fourth year medical students

Introduction: Application of theoretical knowledge to management of critically ill patients is a challenging task for medical undergraduates where opportunities to learn clinical skills with regard to management of emergencies are few. High fidelity simulation (HFS) is widely used globally to learn clinical skills in a safe environment. However, research in use of HFS in developing countries such as Sri Lanka is minimal. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the response of medical undergraduates to a high fidelity simulator in the context of management of emergencies. Method: A pilot group of 30 fourth year medical students underwent a high fidelity simulator session. They completed a self-administered evaluation, which included both open and close ended questions and participated in a focus group discussion post-simulation. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the responses to close-ended questions and the responses to open- ended questions and focus group discussion were analyzed for recurring themes. Result: Students rated the simulation-based learning experience with high positivity. The self-competency of 29 (96.6%) students had increased post-simulation while providing a safe learning environment to all students. Majority (63.3%; n=19) felt it helped put theory into practice. Qualitative data gathered from open-ended questions and focus group discussions further confirmed these findings. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that HFS can be used to provide a safe environment and a satisfying educational experience for students to learn medical emergencies, and as an educational opportunity of translating theory into practice. Although HFSs are costly they appear to be cost effective in terms of educational outcomes.