The use of simulation in medical student education on the topic of breaking bad news: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Simulated patients (SPs) are widely used, but the most effective way of utilising them in undergraduate breaking bad news (BBN) medical education is unknown.

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review into SP's use in developing BBN skills in medical students.

Methods: 14 databases searched with the terms "Medical education", "Patient simulation", "Bad news". Data was systematically extracted, and thematic analysis undertaken.

Results: Of 2117 articles screened, 29 publications met the inclusion criteria. These demonstrated a variety of SP models, including actors as patients (65.5%), peers (7.0%), and cancer survivors (3.5%). with delivery at varying times in the curricula. SPs are uniformly reported as having positive impact, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence comparing the use of differing forms of training. There was some evidence that virtual SPs were as useful as in-person SPs.

Conclusions: SPs allow students to practise vital BBN communication skills without risking detriment to patient care. Despite the heterogeneity of ways in which SPs have been used, the benefits of different approaches and when and how these should be delivered remains unclear.

Practice implications: Further educational development and research is needed about the use of SPs to support undergraduate BBN communication skills development.

Keywords: MeSH Terms; Medical education; Patient simulation; Review; Systematic; Truth disclosures; Undergraduate.