What is a virtual simulation?

Virtual simulations are digitally-simulated clinical experiences designed by educators to enhance curriculum and based on well-defined pedagogical objectives and clinical competencies. Students, alone or in groups, are presented with a clinical situation to investigate, make decisions, then receive feedback on their decisions.

Educators use authoring platforms designed by suppliers who provide support and professional services during the development process and make the simulations available to students.

4 scopes of virtual simulations

Cognitive

Gather information and analyse it, apply knowledge and clinical reasoning, develop decision-making.

Procedures

Analyse and take action on indications, contraindications, risks, steps of a procedure, choice of equipments and techniques.

Interprofessional

Foster teamwork, designed for team learning and interprofessional education.

Non-technical

Develop competencies such as communication, professionalism, empathy, ethics.