Simulation-based education in healthcare

Abstract

The nurture of human resources with competency, who are capable of surviving the 21^st century, is a global challenge for all fields of education. Especially, education of healthcare professionals is proceeding with its reform from didactic- to competency-based education. At present, simulation-based education (SBE) is globally validated to be effective for the consolidation of learners' competency by integrating their knowledge and skills. In recent years, institutions in Japan have had growing interest in SBE; consequently, both software and hardware have been enriched to a considerable extent. Educators are currently required to have teaching skills that draw self-motivation from learners because SBE is “learner-centered” in nature. This article provides fundamental knowledge in expanding SBE and has an overview of trends in the practice and research of healthcare professional education in the world and Japan.