The value of simulation in learning clinical reasoning

Abstract

Background: Simulation allows learning in action, reflection and feedback. All these factors suggest the positive contribution of the simulation to the development of clinical reasoning. The main assessment tool for standardized testing of this skill is the script matching test.

Aim: To assess the impact of teaching through high-fidelity clinical simulation on the clinical reasoning of third-year medical students, while assessing their teaching practices, satisfaction and confidence in the learning they received during this session.

Methods: We conducted an evaluative bicentric prospective study that included third-year medical students completing their cardiology internship during the first semester of the academic year 2019-2020 in the cardiology departments of Habib Thameur Hospital and Charles Nicolle Hospital, respectively.

Results: The study included 48 students. The students who participated in this study liked the teaching practices used in the simulation-assisted lessons. Their interest in these practices is validated by the average of 37,2±5,53 obtained for active learning, 8,04±1,85 for collaboration, 8,5±1,51 for diversity of styles and 8,02±1,72 for high expectations. In our study, the results showed that students were satisfied with the learning they had made during the simulation session. The average for the measurement of satisfaction by the 48 externals was 22,37±2,54. The results of our study indicated that students were confident that their learning would allow them to solve problems similar to those presented in the simulation in a real clinical setting.
This is supported by the 31,48±4,63 average student confidence in their learning. Our study showed a progression of the students' clinical reasoning with simulation using a Script Concordance Test. The mark obtained by the students after the simulation session is significantly higher than the one obtained by the students before the simulation session with p=0.008.

Conclusion: Simulation is an innovative pedagogical strategy and a contribution to optimizing the clinical reasoning process and improving the quality of care.