The value proposition of simulation-based education

Abstract

Simulation has become an integral part of physician education, and abundant evidence confirms that simulation-based education improves learners' skills and behaviors and is associated with improved patient outcomes. The resources required to implement simulation-based education, however, have led some stakeholders to question the overall value proposition of simulation-based education. This paper summarizes the information from a special panel on this topic and defines research priorities for the field. Future work should focus on both outcomes and costs, with robust measurement of resource investments, provider performance (in both simulation and real settings), patient outcomes, and impact on the health care organization. Increased attention to training practicing clinicians and health care teams is also essential. Clarifying the value proposition of simulation-based education will require a major national effort with funding from multiple sponsors and active engagement of a variety of stakeholders.