A simulation laboratory for medical education.

Simulation as an instructional technique is being utilized for the learning of clinical skills in the training of health professionals. The Center for Educational Development at the University of Illinois College of Medicine has established a Learning Resource and Development Center to assist medical faculty in the development and evaluation of instructional simulations. These are not designed to replace clinical experiences but to provide additional opportunities for students to strengthen skills in patient examination. Prior to the introduction of these learning tools in 1972, a study was undertaken to validate their instructional effectiveness. After an additional two years of operation and experimentation, a revalidation study was undertaken during the fall of 1974. Improvements are continually being made in the various simulation formats as a result of feedback from students and faculty.