Realistic simulation case scenario as a vertical integration teaching tool for medical students: A mixed methods study

Realistic simulation-based learning has recently become an integral part of medical education and can provide several advantages if applied effectively. This study aimed to develop and validate a realistic simulation case sce-nario (RSCS) as a novel teaching tool for preclinical medical students. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate student perception of this tool as a teaching strategy, as well as to acquire an in-depth understanding of student perspectives. We employed the mixed methods approach to explore how clinical reasoning develops through a validated RSCS. This study, which included 50 third-year medical students, was conducted at the College of Med-icine, Dar Al Uloom University, KSA between November 2021 and February 2022. Most of the partic-ipants (94%) were satisfied with the RSCS method and 92% of the participants reported RSCS as more effective in terms of achieving learning objectives. Many advantages of RSCS have been reported, including the provision of realistic knowledge relating to critical care management, encouraging student participation in the learning process, and enhancing interpersonal and problem-solving skills. In conclusion, RSCS is an effec-tive and dynamic teaching approach that aids in knowl-edge consolidation with a significant impact on the emotions and cognitive abilities of students.

Automated summary

Realistic simulation-based learning has become an integral part of medical education. This study aimed to develop and validate a realistic simulation case scenario (RSCS) as a teaching tool for preclinical medical students. The findings showed that RSCS has several advantages, including providing realistic critical care management knowledge and enhancing student participation and problem-solving skills.