General concepts in full scale simulation: getting started.

UNLABELLED: Over the past decade, medical simulation has developed to a point where it now is poised to become ubiquitous in teaching curricula. Despite this experience, there is little up-to-date information to help new instructors and operators learn the general principles of simulation. The purpose of this article is to provide prospective simulation instructors with basic concepts and a practical approach to patient simulation. The main focus is on full-scale or high fidelity simulation. The article is intended to (a). prepare instructors to use full-scale simulation to educate students; (b). teach some of the complexities and terminology of simulation; (c). prepare for and complement the curriculum of a formal instructor course; and (d). teach the basic elements required to run a successful simulation. This article should be used as an adjunct to practical experience gained from using simulation units. IMPLICATIONS: Medical simulation replicates normal and abnormal physiology and pathology. It is a tool that is intended to increase experiential learning. Establishing a functional and useful simulation program involves many factors. This paper presents a detailed introduction to the concepts and methodology of simulation in medicine.