Designing and Conducting Simulation-Based Research

Abstract

As simulation is increasingly used to study questions pertaining to pediatrics, it is important that investigators use rigorous methods to conduct their research. In this article, we discuss several important aspects of conducting simulation-based research in pediatrics. First, we describe, from a pediatric perspective, the 2 main types of simulationbased research: (1) studies that assess the efficacy of simulation as a training methodology and (2) studies where simulation is used as an investigative methodology. We provide a framework to help structure research questions for each type of research and describe illustrative examples of published research in pediatrics using these 2 frameworks. Second, we highlight the benefits of simulation-based research and how these apply to pediatrics. Third, we describe simulation-specific confounding variables that serve as threats to the internal validity of simulation studies and offer strategies to mitigate these confounders. Finally, we discuss the various types of outcome measures available for simulation research and offer a list of validated pediatric assessment tools that can be used in future simulation-based studies.

Screen-Based Simulation, Virtual Reality, and Haptic Simulators

“…Often the variation is inconsequential, but it may mean differences in the way learners enjoy or learn from MBS. Controlling for variation between sessions in MBS is particularly troublesome in simulation-based research, as standardizing the scenarios is one of the requirements of preserving internal validity [13]. SBS, on the other hand, does not have problems with unintended variation.…”

Simulation and Web-based learning increases utilization of Bier block for forearm fracture reduction in the pediatric emergency department

“…Scenarios and standardized patient roles were tightly scripted to ensure a consistent educational experience for all learners. 17 A total of four 10-minute simulation scenarios were delivered during the course, all involving forearm fractures following various injuries (simulation curriculum available in Online Supplement 1). Scenario one involved obtaining pre-procedural consent with a 17-year-old patient.…”

El consumo de tabaco en la adolescencia puede predecir el tabaquismo durante la adultez: investigación basada en modelos de simulación

“…11,12 Un proceso estocástico es un concepto matemático que sirve para caracterizar una sucesión de variables aleatorias (estocásticas), que evolucionan en función de otra variable, generalmente el tiempo. Cada una de las variables aleatorias del proceso tiene su propia función de distribución de probabilidad y, entre ellas, pueden estar correlacionadas o no.…”