Towards meaningful simulation-based learning with medical students and junior physicians. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keskitalo, Tuulikki; Ruokamo, Heli; Gaba, David
• Is Part Of: Medical teacher. Volume 36:Number 3(2014)
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: Medical education -- Periodicals; 610.711
• DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2013.853116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-159X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>Background</bold>: This research provides an educational perspective on simulation-based medical education by implementing both the characteristics of meaningful learning and the concepts of facilitating, training, and learning processes.</p> <p> <bold>Aims</bold>: This study aims to evaluate, from the perspectives of both facilitators and students, the meaningfulness of five different simulation-based courses.</p> <p> <bold>Methods</bold>: The courses were implemented in the spring of 2010. The data were collected from facilitators (<italic>n</italic> = 9) and students (<italic>n</italic> = 25) using group interviews (one individual interview), observations, video recordings, and pre- and post-questionnaires. The research analyzes qualitative data using the qualitative content analysis method to answer the following research question: From facilitators' and students' perspectives, how does the facilitating and training in simulation-based learning environments (SBLEs) foster the meaningful learning of students?</p> <p> <bold>Results</bold>: It seems that simulation-based learning is, at its foundation, meaningful since it inherently supports the many characteristics of meaningful learning. However, characteristics also exist that simulation-based learning does not inherently support. In this study, the goal-oriented, self-directed, and individual training characteristics were only somewhat supported during the facilitation and training in SBLEs.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions</bold>: In running these courses in the future, facilitators should concentrate on those characteristics that were only somewhat supported.</p> </abstract>