Abstract:
Introduction. With the complexities of contemporary healthcare systems and the paramount importance of high-quality
patient care, Simulation-Based Medical Education (SBME) has emerged as a pivotal innovation in the process of training
healthcare professionals. This study explores the integration of SBME in undergraduate medical education to bridge the
gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, thereby preparing students with the necessary competencies for
effective healthcare delivery.
Material and methods. Employing a narrative review approach, this study meticulously examined relevant literature
from multiple databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and MedEdPublish. Following objectives, we chose the sources that were best suited to explore our research questions, focusing on keywords such as „simulation”, „undergraduate
medical education”, „simulation-based medical education”, „theoretical frameworks”, „procedural framework” „curriculum
design”, „training efficacy”, and „training evaluation” with no restriction for the date of publications.
Results. The review identified foundational educational theories underpinning SBME, such as Experiential Learning Theory and Adult Learning Theory, and traced the evolution of simulation methods from simple anatomical models to sophisticated high-fidelity simulators and virtual reality technologies. Various simulation techniques, including task trainers, manikins, and standardized patients, were analyzed for their educational value. Significant benefits of SBME, such as
enhanced safety, repeatability, and adaptability, were highlighted alongside challenges like high costs and limited access.
Comparative analysis revealed SBME’s advantages over traditional clinical education, particularly in learning efficiency
and scalability.
Conclusions. SBME represents a transformative approach in undergraduate medical education, offering a dynamic and
interactive learning environment that significantly enhances clinical skills, critical thinking, and confidence. Despite its
challenges, the integration of simulation-based methodologies into medical curricula is essential for addressing the evolving needs of medical training and improving patient care outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to
assess the long-term impact of SBME on clinical practice and explore the integration of emerging technologies to enhance
the efficacy and accessibility of simulation-based training.
