Impact of Simulation-based Learning on the Clinical Competence of Medical Students during Pediatric Clerkships

Background Simulation-based learning (SBL) in medicine includes various methods for training medical students in a safe and adaptable environment. Evidence is accumulating regarding the positive impact of SBL on clinical competence. The study aimed to examine the effect of SBL on the clinical competence of medical students as assessed by their performance at the pediatric end of clerkship examination (PECE). Methods The academic performance of twelve cohorts of year-5 students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain, was assessed by their performance on the PECE. The exam consists of three parts: logbook continuous assessment, written test, and clinical exam (OSCE and long case). The study spans six academic years before the adoption of SBL in the pediatric curriculum and six academic years after that. Results The study included 2,251 students,1500 females (66.6%) and 751 males (33.4%). The male-to-female ratio remained consistent over the 12 academic years. The students’ performance in the PECE improves significantly after the SBL (p<0.001). A significant reduction in the failure rate was observed in the post-simulation cohort (2.5%) compared to the pre-simulation cohort (10.2%), and the proportion of students achieving an A-grade increased from 3.2% to 16.0% following the introduction of SBL. Conclusion: The study highlighted the positive impact of SBL in improving medical students' knowledge and clinical competence in pediatrics.