Simulated Learning in Medical Education Improves Patient Care, Outcomes

According to a new study from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, the use of simulation techniques in medical education results in improved patient care, better outcomes and other benefits. Researchers analyzed 23 medical education studies that measured the effects of simulation-based mastery learning (SBML). A qualitative synthesis of these studies found that SBML improved outcomes in four areas: the educational laboratory, patient care practices, patient outcomes and collateral effects, such as reduced health-care costs. For example, among other things, these studies examined the impact of SBML on clinical skills, including management of ICU patients on ventilators; lumbar puncture; and communicating with a chronically ill patient about goals of care.  Click here to learn more about the study.