Theme Issue Editorial
The history of medical simulation

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrc.2007.12.004Get rights and content

Abstract

The historical roots of simulation might be described with the broadest definition of medical simulation: “an imitation of some real thing, state of affairs, or process” for the practice of skills, problem solving, and judgment. From the first “blue box” flight simulator to the military's impetus in the transfer of modeling and simulation technology to medicine, worldwide acceptance of simulation training is growing. Large collaborative simulation centers support the expectation of increases in multidisciplinary, interprofessional, and multimodal simulation training. Virtual worlds, both immersive and Web-based, are at the frontier of innovation in medical education.

Section snippets

Overview of simulation

When you consider the broadest definition of medical simulation being “an imitation of some real thing, state of affairs, or process” [1], the historical roots of simulation for the practice of skills, problem solving, and judgment are evident. One of the earliest examples of military simulation is the construction of the game of chess in the sixth century [2]. Medical simulation in primitive forms has also been practiced for centuries [3]. Physical models of anatomy and disease were

Introduction to medical simulation

A recent article structured the discussion of simulation into 5 categories according to a scheme proposed by pioneer David Gaba [25]. These 5 designations are verbal, SPs, part-task trainers, computer patient, and electronic patient. Verbal simulation is simply role playing. Standardized patients are actors used to educate and evaluate history taking and physical examination skills, communication, and professionalism. Part-task trainers may be simple anatomical models of body parts in their

Summary

Modern simulation has come a long way in its first half century, but there are still major barriers to its use in health care education. Fidelity and validity issues still justify the skeptic's delay in implementation [110]. Cost of equipment, personnel, and programs only recently have been overcome by the expansion of large collaborative simulation centers. These partnerships support the projection of increases in multidisciplinary, interprofessional, and multimodal simulation training [111].

Timeline

1928-1929Edwin Link builds first blue box trainer in basement of father's Binghamton, NY, piano and organ factory [7].
1931Link becomes full-time flight instructor. His school offers both trainer and actual flight time [7], [8].
1934US Army buys 6 Link trainers [7], [8].
1938US Military purchases 10 000 Link trainers [7], [8].
First plastic skeleton made by founders of Medical Plastics Laboratory.
1941Rocket flight simulator completed [11].
1957First successful external defibrillation with Johns

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