Realistic simulation as an educacional tool for medical students

Abstract

AIMS: Realistic simulation is part of a new possibility of teaching that encompasses not only the technical skills, but crisis management, leadership, team work, and clinical reasoning that do not reflect actual losses to the real patient. To conduct a review of literature on the use of realistic simulation emphasizing the undergraduate medical education and its most relevant and current aspects. SOURCE OF DATA: PubMed and LILACS databases were consulted, applying the medical subject headings patient simulation, students, medical and teaching/methods, considering articles published in the past three years. Using fluctuating reading of the abstracts with content analysis and recorded data and examination, 101 studies were found in accordance with the purpose of this review. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: Articles report the importance and support of technology in aggregating improvements to medical education. Patient safety was described as a decisive factor in the implementation of realistic simulation in institutions worldwide. Various specialties were mentioned among the articles in addition to several specific procedures and aspects of standardized physical examination. There is an interest in studying the possible ways to assess students through realistic simulation. Skills in communication, leadership, decision making, team work and relationship doctor/patient appear in this review as the greatest benefit of information to students. CONCLUSIONS: Although realistic simulation is valued and have a rapid growth as an important resource in education, further studies need to be conducted and disseminated to provide concrete and effective evidences and measurements of this educational tool.