Abstract

Introduction: Simulation is used to create better and safer environment for the healthcare practitioners and to decrease medical errors. The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) has introduced multiple simulation courses in few specialties as part of the training curricula for residents and fellows.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess awareness about medical simulation among SCFHS trainees and identify obstacles that prevent them from participating in such activities. Methodology: Cross sectional study through electronic survey to residents and fellows under SCFHS from the following regions of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province, Jizan and Northern Region. Only complete surveys are considered for analysis plus all medical simulation courses except BLS, ACLS, PALS & ATLS courses.
Result: A total of 313 SCFHS trainees responded to the electronic survey. The majority are 25-30 years of age (65%). Residents counted for 285 (91%) (R2=30% & R3=22%) and fellows for 28 (9%) (F1=2.2% & F2=1.6%). Only 151 out of the 313 participants (48.2%) have ever heard of medical simulation, while only 87 (28%) have ever practiced simulation. The majority of the trainees who are involved in simulation belong to governmental institutes 72 (83%), 15 (17%) to university institutes and none to private institutes. Around 2/3 of the trainees have simulation centers at their institution. The trainees believe medical simulation should be mandatory in undergraduate and postgraduate training, 83% and 93% respectively. The trainees’ perceptions about simulation showed (64%) of them don’t know where simulation can be used with a significant P-value of < 0.001, (9%). Heard negative experience from others with a significant P-value of < 0.001 & (>90%) can improve outcome of patient care, physician skills and medical knowledge with a significant P-value of < 0.001, < 0.001 & 0.029 respectively. The trainees’ Perceived Obstacles about simulation showed (67%) think that Lack of time to attend or create simulation models is an obstacle with a significant P-value of < 0.001 & (67%) think that Cost of simulation courses is an obstacle as well with a significant P-value of < 0.001.
Conclusion: Medical simulation is still not widely practiced in the training of SCFHS trainees in various specialties in Saudi Arabia.