The Role of Simulation in Medical Education

Simulators have played an instrumental role in medical training for nearly 400 years. Today, their importance has grown significantly, leading to their integration into the Charles University’s curriculum

Why simulators are used in medical training:

Enhanced practical skills & confidence
High-fidelity patient simulators—capable of talking, breathing, blinking, and moving like real patients—help students refine their practical skills and build confidence in handling real-life medical situations.
Patient safety & ethical training
Well-trained students are less likely to make avoidable errors, ensuring better patient safety. Given that patient rights are a key priority in modern healthcare, simulation-based training reduces the risk of mismanagement, mistreatment, or harm.
Exposure to a wide range of medical scenarios
Simulation allows students to experience a broad spectrum of medical situations and interventions that may not be available in sufficient quantity or within a limited time frame, even in the largest teaching hospitals.

Training for acute & emergency medicine
Emergencies require immediate expert care and are not ideal for hands-on instruction. Simulation provides a controlled environment where students can practice responding to critical situations without risk to real patients.
Standardized & structured learning
Using simulators enables better organization of classes, standardized training methods, and targeted assessments, ensuring a consistent learning experience for all students.

Simulation is a vital element in the curriculum, continuously expanding to meet modern medical education standards.

However, it is not meant to replace clinical training in hospitals and medical facilities. It simply enhances students´ confidence and various skills before they encounter real patients. This combined approach ensures the best possible outcomes for both students and the patients they will care for in the future.