The future vision of simulation in healthcare

Abstract

Simulation is a technique-not a technology-to replace or amplify real experiences with guided experiences that evoke or replicate substantial aspects of the real world in a fully interactive manner. The diverse applications of simulation in healthcare can be categorized by 11 dimensions: aims and purposes of the simulation activity; unit of participation; experience level of participants; healthcare domain; professional discipline of participants; type of knowledge, skill, attitudes, or behaviors addressed; the simulated patient's age; technology applicable or required; site of simulation; extent of direct participation; and method of feedback used. Using simulation to improve safety will require full integration of its applications into the routine structures and practices of healthcare. The costs and benefits of simulation are difficult to determine, especially for the most challenging applications, where long-term use may be required. Various driving forces and implementation mechanisms can be expected to propel simulation forward, including professional societies, liability insurers, healthcare payers, and ultimately the public. The future of simulation in healthcare depends on the commitment and ingenuity of the healthcare simulation community to see that improved patient safety using this tool becomes a reality.