Simulation-Based Medical Education Improves Engagement and Skills in Medical Students

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine have published a new report on the use of simulation and technology-enhanced learning in medical education. The scoping review, which considered literature published between 2014 and 2024, aimed to understand the methods, extent, and type of evidence related to the use of simulation-based medical education pedagogies to teach biomedical sciences to undergraduate medical students globally. The findings highlighted the growing use of simulation and technology-enhanced learning, improving competency, retention, and engagement. However, limitations include inconsistent assessment impacts, cost challenges, and accessibility concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • The scoping review considered 18 articles, including 4 Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies, 2 Systematic Review and Research Syntheses, 3 Randomized Controlled Trials, 6 Quasi-Experimental Studies, and 3 Text and Opinion Studies.
  • Simulation and technology-enhanced learning improve engagement, skills, and retention in medical education, and integration with traditional methods maximizes effectiveness.
  • Virtual simulations aided by technologies, VR or AR, offer immersive experiences but require careful implementation.
  • The study found that simulation and technology-enhanced learning are increasingly used in medical education, with 32% of studies using VR and 18% using AR.
  • The authors recommend careful implementation of virtual simulations to ensure effective learning outcomes.
  • The study highlights the importance of assessing the impact of simulation-based learning and addressing cost and accessibility concerns.

Statistics:

  • 18 articles were considered for the scoping review out of an initial yield of 2,671.
  • 4 Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies were included, with 2 from Australia, 1 from the USA, and 1 from China.
  • 3 Randomized Controlled Trials were included, with 1 from China and 2 from Italy.
  • 6 Quasi-Experimental Studies were included, with 1 from Taiwan, 1 from the Netherlands, 1 from the UK, 1 from Sweden, 1 from Indonesia, and 1 from the USA.
  • The study found that 32% of studies used VR, 18% used AR, and 50% used PBL (Problem-Based Learning).

Sources:

  • Use of simulation for teaching biomedical sciences to undergraduate medical students- a scoping review. BMC Medical Education, 2025,25(1):1-21.
  • A citation for this news report is: NewsRx. Researchers' Work from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Focuses on Health and Medicine (Use of simulation for teaching biomedical sciences to undergraduate medical students- a scoping review). Health & Medicine Week. October 17, 2025; p 6881.