gms | German Medical Science

Background: In the framework of the peer tutoring project at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor we have been trying to find creative ways of learning with the greatest possible efficiency. We have conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of simulation-based learning of sepsis and ABCDE approach.

Summary of work: Our research included 52 students of general medicine from both Slovenian medical faculties. The students were randomly allocated to two different groups – the first group has taken a theoretical exam before clinical simulation with a theoretical introduction and the second one immediately after it. The theoretical introduction included ABCDE approach basics, and the simulation was a practical clinical case with a patient in septic shock. The exam consisted of 20 multiple choice questions with one correct answer about sepsis, septic shock, and ABCDE approach.

Summary of results: Data analysis showed better results in the group which took the exam after participating in the simulation. There was no statistically significant difference between both faculties or study year.

Discussion and conclusion: Our work showed that clinical simulation with theoretical introduction can significantly improve the results on theoretical exams representing better short-term knowledge. Further research and an exam after a longer period of time should be performed in order to better evaluate the impact of both on knowledge retention.

Take-home messages: Clinical simulation with a theoretical introduction can not only make studying more interesting for students, but positively influence their theoretical knowledge.