Trends and Challenges in Simulators and Software Development for Healthcare Education: A Survey of Colombian Higher Education Institutions.

Objective: This study was proposed to identify the use Information and Communication Technologies of tools based on Information and Communication Technologies as simulators, applications, or simulated environments in the teaching-learning processes in human and animal health sciences in different levels of academic studies. Materials and methods: In this research, a twelve- question survey was administered to staff of simulation laboratories/centers, and undergraduate and graduate academic programs in the field of human and animal health sciences in Colombia. The survey focused on identifying simulation spaces, hardware, and software tools available. Data analysis was performed using a 95% confidence level and a minimum sample size of 15 from a population of 86 higher education institutions. Results and Discussion: A clear trend to use health-care simulation in undergraduate programs was found, followed by graduate and finally specialty programs. The most commonly used simulators are task trainers and manikins for developing motor skills. However, the number of available simulators is still insufficient, in contrast to the increased demand for the growing number of students in the health field. Conclusions: The development of new tools is a high- priority need, especially in fields such as gynecology and obstetrics, surgery, and cardiology, which require specific skills and capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]