Simulation based Healthcare Education- Barriers in Initiation.

Introduction: This paper summarizes a structured expert panel session on the subject of barriers in initiating Simulation based andragogy in Healthcare Education in India. The expert panel consisted of members of academia in Medicine, Nursing, paramedical and representatives from the healthcare simulation technology industry. The global burden of unsafe medical care is significant and remains a cause of concern. Studies have shown that majority of medical errors do not result from individual negligence. Majority of the medical errors have been found to be preventable. Simulation Based Medical Education is the way forward in achieving greater patient safety and improving patient outcomes. Hence there is an urgent need to incorporate Simulation into the healthcare education system in our country. Objective: To discuss the current scenario of healthcare education, the role of Simulation and experience sharing on the barriers in its large scale initiation. Result: The key barriers that emerged during the discussion in utilization of Simulation based medical education were capital investment, psychological resistance, difficulty in integrating curriculum and lack of trained man power. Conclusion: This paper attempts to offer pragmatic solutions to the existing barriers and help mitigate medical errors and improve patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]