Effectiveness versus efficiency in a medical skills laboratory.

Medical educators are facing the new challenge of using medical simulation for teaching purposes. The use of simulators seems attractive for trainers and for trainees, but prices of simulators may be prohibitive. In an era of limited resources it is mandatory when using such an expensive tool as simulation, to prove its benefits. Despite the fact that simulation provides opportunity for training, additional advantages are far from being established. The supposed benefits of using medical simulators in teaching and examination needs to be proven regarding two aspects: effectiveness and efficiency.