Journal of Surgical Simulation 2016; 3: 8 - 12
Published: 21 June 2016
Original article
Special Issue: From fairies to SimMan: Tolkien and realism in simulation
Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of empirical and theoretical literature on reality and realism in simulation-based learning.
Methods: This article makes an original contribution to the body of literature by using the theoretical conceptualizations of reality described by Dieckmann et al. in simulation and by the fantasy author and scholar J.R.R. Tolkien to challenge and develop our understanding of reality in simulation. This article reports a qualitative research study that reveals the perceptions of realism in simulation-based medical education.
Results: A significant finding was the importance participants placed on realism in their motivation to participate in simulation. Participants' descriptions of realism were consistent with the domains of physical, semantic and phenomenological realism and played an important role in their intention to participate in simulation-based learning. The data also revealed that while lapses in physical realism were tolerated, lapses in semantic realism were very poorly tolerated. In addition, when there was inconsistency within the secondary reality as described by Tolkien, this resulted in a breakdown of suspension of disbelief.
Conclusions: A deeper understanding of these factors will inform course designers as they consider the processes of simulation-based learning and as they seek robust evidence for its effectiveness. Developing understanding of realism for medical simulation can help course designers and teachers make best use of resources by focussing on the domains of realism that have most impact on learners.
Keywords
simulation; theory; reality
Additional Information
The results of this study were presented at the Fifth Annual Homerton Simulation Conference: Innovations in Healthcare, Patient Safety and Simulation, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK, on 10 December 2015. This invited article forms part of a special issue devoted to the conference and has been accepted for publication after peer review by the Guest Editor and an external reviewer.
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Special issue information
Special Issue Title: Fifth Annual Homerton Simulation Conference, Innovations in healthcare, patient safety and simulation
Guest Editor: Haresh Mulchandani, Homerton University NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
Organisation: This special issue was organised in collaboration with the Homerton University Simulation Centre.
Funding: No funding was received from any organisation for the publication of the special issue.
Peer review: Any full articles were invited by the conference organisers, and peer-reviewed by the Guest Editor and a minimum of one external reviewer.
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