Rana Sajawal Joiya, Eisha Mansoor, Muteeah Amjad, Minahil Mazhar, Muhammad Umar Ahsan, Sher Afgan Ali Khan Burki, Daniyal Javed, Rabail Fatima, Muskan Sajid, Muhammad Robas Zia, Nouman Asad, Muhammad Saeed, Somaiya Ahmed
Simulation-based training was associated with greater improvement in knowledge and skills compared to traditional teaching. To augment educational outcomes and qualify aspiring healthcare professionals for real-world challenges, preceptors should think about incorporating simulation-based training into their curriculum.
INTRODUCTION: Training in outbreak investigation is essential for public health readiness. This study examines how simulation-based training improves medical students' outbreak investigation skills compared to conventional lecture techniques.
METHODS: We conducted a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore Medical College over an eleven-month period. Participants were recruited from 4th-year MBBS students without any prior outbreak investigation training. Participants were randomized to control (lecture) (n = 45) and intervention (simulation) (n = 42) groups. Simulation-based training involving a Cholera outbreak scenario was compared to traditional lecture-based teaching. Pre and post-intervention assessments were used to measure knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Statistical analyses included t-tests and descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Simulation-based training resulted in a significantly greater improvement in knowledge and skills compared to the control group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant improvement in attitudes was observed (p = 0.068 within simulation group; p = 0.866 between groups).
DISCUSSION: Simulation-based training was associated with greater improvement in knowledge and skills than traditional lecture-based teaching, while no significant difference was observed in attitudes. Although both groups showed increases in scores, simulation-based training was associated with greater improvement in knowledge and skills related to outbreak investigation. The outcomes specify that in order to achieve complex learning requirements, medical education needs a variety of scholastic approaches.
CONCLUSION: Simulation-based training was associated with greater improvement in knowledge and skills compared to traditional teaching. To augment educational outcomes and qualify aspiring healthcare professionals for real-world challenges, preceptors should think about incorporating simulation-based training into their curriculum.