Medical students are not inherently equipped to manage common ward-based distractions to mitigate error. These skills can be taught-with simulation and feedback conferring the greatest benefit. Curricular integration of simulated ward round experiences is recommended.

Support from CTFs on busy PTSWRs optimised student satisfaction, and was welcomed by clinical staff. CTF support could be widened to other busy ward rounds, e.g. acute medical takes, to enhance student learning and reduce the teaching burden on clinical faculty staff.

Simulated ward rounds offer medical schools an innovative and acceptable approach to meeting the World Health Organisation's Patient Safety Curriculum.

Transitions, or periods of change, in medical career pathways can be challenging episodes, requiring the transitioning clinician to take on new roles and responsibilities, adapt to new cultural dynamics, change behaviour patterns, and successfully manage uncertainty. These intensive learning periods present risks to patient safety. Simulation-based education (SBE) is a pedagogic approach that allows clinicians to practise their technical and non-technical skills in a safe environment to increase preparedness for practice. In this commentary, we present the potential uses, strengths, and limitations of SBE for supporting transitions across medical career pathways, discussing educational utility, outcome and process evaluation, and cost and value, and introduce a new perspective on considering the gains from SBE. We provide case-study examples of the application of SBE to illustrate these points and stimulate discussion.