Assessing the performance and satisfaction of medical residents utilizing standardized patient versus mannequin-simulated training

Abstract

BackgroundConducting simulations of rapidly decompensating patients are a key part of internal medicine (IM) residency training. Traditionally, mannequins have been the simulation tool used in these scenarios.ObjectiveTo compare IM residents’ performance and assess realism in specific-simulated decompensating patient scenarios using standardized patients (SPs) as compared to mannequin.MethodsNineteen IM residents were randomized to undergo simulations using either a mannequin or an SP. Each resident in the two groups underwent four different simulation scenarios (calcium channel blocker overdose, severe sepsis, severe asthma exacerbation, and acute bacterial meningitis). Residents completed pretest and post-test evaluations as well as a questionnaire to assess the reality perception (realism score).ResultsNine residents completed mannequin-based scenarios, whereas 10 completed SP-based scenarios. Improvement in the post-test scores was seen in both groups. However, there were significantly higher post-test scores achieved with SP simulations in three out of the four scenarios (P=0.01). When compared with the mannequin group, the SP simulation group showed a significantly higher average realism score (P=0.002).ConclusionsApplying SP-based specific-simulation scenarios in IM residency training may result in better performance and a higher sense of a realistic experience by medical residents.

Comparison of the use of manikins and simulated patients in a multidisciplinary in situ medical simulation program for healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom

“…Although some topics are especially suited to a certain approach, many scenarios can, with minor adjustments, be delivered using either an SP or a manikin. Thus far, limited research has explored which option is best in such situations, with previous studies only analyzing specific clinical situations or settings [2,6], and including small sample sizes [5,7]. Hence, we conducted a comparative study to investigate which modality participants responded better to in scenarios that can be run using either an SP or a manikin, in various clinical settings.…”

Mixed-method study on the satisfaction of a high-fidelity simulation program in a sample of nursing-degree students

“…Simulation in educational contexts refers to a situation that tries to represent real clinical practice through scenarios with different degrees of fidelity. The use of simulated scenarios allows various clinical skills to be repeatedly trained in a safe environment (Alsaad et al, 2017;Yuan et al, 2012) until an optimal learning level is reached and critical and reflective analysis skills are developed (Hegland et al, 2017;Raurell-Torredà et al, 2020).…”

Neurological Assessment Using a Physical-Virtual Patient (PVP)

“…Traditional manikin technology is limited in its ability to evoke a sense of immediacy. In fact, researchers found that standardized patients were superior to traditional manikins when teaching clinical deterioration in patients (Alsaad et al, 2017). Nurses may unwillingly miss rescue events when they do not recognize, act on or report signs of clinical deterioration.…”