Abstract
Simulation-based medical education is expanding among undergraduate medical universities in Japan. For the curriculum of outcome-based medical education, simulation-based medical education is considered one of the beneficial learning strategies in medical school. In addition to the general simulation lessons using programmable simulators, we used a new virtual patient simulation software called Body Interact®in the small group discussion lesson, followed by debriefing by an experienced teacher. After the successful experience of clinical reasoning in virtual scenarios and supported debriefing, students’ cognitive competencies for problem-solving were assessed using a multiple-choice examination. The satisfaction and confidence of medical students were also assessed using a questionnaire. Virtual patient simulation combined with supported debriefing may contribute to the acquired competency in undergraduate medical education. To establish the simulation-based educational environment for medical school students, the combination of Body Interact®and supported debriefing in selected clinical categories may be one of the novel options added to the conventional simulation-based lessons.
