Healthcare Simulation in China: Current Status and Perspectives
The issue of patient safety has been making headlines continuously, and China is no exception. According to the statistical report of 2014 to 2015 medical disputes, in many large cities of China, such as Beijing and Shanghai, patient deaths are mainly caused by the lack of standards in medical treatment and operational procedures. The implementation of simulation-based healthcare training could be a potential solution to standardize medical procedures. However, healthcare simulation in China is still facing significant challenges.
One of the major hindrances to the development of simulation-based healthcare training in China is the heavily under-developed teaching approach. Resources related to healthcare simulation, such as textbooks and published papers, are relatively few. The first textbook on healthcare simulation in China was published only in 2014. This book, titled “Simulation Based Medical Education in China,” only briefly introduces the basic concepts and knowledge of healthcare simulation. In 2017, “The Comprehensive Textbook of Healthcare Simulation” was introduced and translated into Chinese, containing over 1.2 million words. This book contributes to the development of healthcare simulation in China by providing a systematic introduction to the subject and bringing the concept that healthcare simulation is a discipline. Regarding simulation-based healthcare research, the number of published Chinese articles has increased rapidly over the years. However, most domestic papers simply address the usage experience of simulated teaching tools, paying less attention to in-depth theoretical studies.
The formulation of a concrete professional system should be enhanced. Key areas of improvement include increased instructor training for simulation-based healthcare training, support to associations and entities favoring this approach, and notably faculty development. Till date, China’s simulation-based healthcare training focuses primarily on the clinical skills of undergraduates and resident physicians, rather than ensuring up-to-date training for course instructors. Additionally, the shortfalls of Chinese physicians assigned to simulation-based training must be compensated to ensure programs run smoothly. Government authorities may aim to modulate official degree certifications that can be achieved following successful participation in simulation-based education and training programs. The future construction of a regulated system seems to be a fundamental step required in the formation of a professional and standardized simulation-based teaching.
Research and development of simulation equipment should be further improved. Healthcare simulation products in China are still relatively insufficient and basically depend on imported products. Actually, many international high-fidelity simulators’ internal compartments are made in China; however, product design needs to be properly researched and developed in order for China to provide its own manufacturing facilities. Besides, the distribution and development of healthcare simulation are uneven across different regions in China: large and small hospitals, urban and rural areas. Due to the distrust with medical resources and competencies of physicians at regional or community hospitals, patients flood into large hospitals within urban cities. In many rural areas, there are no simulation centers and professional teaching sessions to offer training for the medical staff. Funding of simulation-based healthcare courses is also minimal. With very few part-time tutors at a time, and no regular funding at sight, the trainees are fewer than 100 people per year. Medical staff are unable to receive standardized training in rural areas.
In conclusion, by addressing the challenges listed in this article, healthcare simulation in China can be better developed. The key areas that need attention include the development of teaching resources, the formulation of a concrete professional system, and the improvement of research and development of simulation equipment. With these improvements, healthcare simulation in China can play a crucial role in standardizing medical procedures and enhancing patient safety.
doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000000475
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