Chinese Journal of Medical Education ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (4): 264-271.DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20250131-00107

• Medical Simulation Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Current status, methods, and prospects of in situ simulation in medical education

Ge Jiongshan, Shi Di, Liu Jihai   

  1. Emergency Department & State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
  • Received:2025-01-31 Online:2025-04-01 Published:2025-03-31
  • Contact: Liu Jihai, Email: liujihai1977@aliyun.com
  • Supported by:
    National Social Science Fund "14th Five-Year Plan" General Project in Education (BLA210212)

Abstract: In situ simulation, a form of simulation training conducted within actual clinical settings, has gained considerable traction in medical education in recent years. While it bears similarities to traditional center-based simulation training, it also presents distinct differences. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current research landscape regarding in-situ simulation, both domestically and internationally, examining its value in enhancing non-technical skills, evaluating systems and processes, and identifying potential medical safety risks. Additionally, it highlights the existing gaps in the development of in-situ simulation between China and abroad. To support simulation educators in optimizing their teaching and assessment practices, this article systematically delineates the entire implementation process of in-situ simulation, from needs analysis to instructional execution. A comparative analysis of in-situ simulation and center-based simulation is presented, along with recommendations for its judicious implementation. Furthermore, the article addresses the challenges encountered by in-situ simulation in various domains, including curriculum development, resource integration, the application of emerging technologies, the establishment of evaluation systems, medical ethics, and patient safety, while proposing viable solutions. It is the authors' aspiration that in-situ simulation will see broader application in medical education across China, thereby enhancing the training of healthcare professionals and significantly improving the quality of healthcare delivery.

Key words: Education, medical, In-situ simulation, Non-technical skills, Patient safety

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