Simulation Platforms for Research

In addition to enhancing medical education, simulation platforms for research are also being used to help students develop investigative skills, providing a valuable tool for aspiring medical researchers to explore and test new ideas and methodologies in a controlled and dynamic environment.

Our recent Experts Series speaker, Dr. Ekaterina Kldiashvili, Professor and Vice-Rector in Research at Tbilisi Medical Academy, shared her extensive research experience and expertise in an enlightening session focusing on simulation platforms as research skills and development tools – “Simulation Platform as a Tool for Research Skills Development within Medical Curricula.” 

In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on research skills development within medical curricula, particularly during and after the pandemic shifted traditional curricula to more online learning. Virtual and physical simulation platforms offer several advantages in this regard. For example, they allow students to practice various research skills, from data collection and analysis to ethical considerations and communication with study participants. In addition, simulation platforms can be tailored to specific research topics, allowing students to gain practical experience in areas such as patient-practitioner communications, epidemiology, clinical trials, health policy, etc.

Dr. Ekaterina, with vast experience in designing research lines in medical curricula, provides a new perspective on the connection between simulation education and research. She emphasizes the importance of defining learning objectives as the initial step in developing a research line, illustrated through her recent project at Tbilisi Medical Academy. Once the learning objectives have been established, the design concepts of the research line can be developed.  This requires careful attention to detail in the design and implementation of the simulation, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the simulation meets the desired learning objectives. She also notes that one of the main challenges is ensuring that the simulation is realistic and accurate. Another identified challenge and potential influence of the research’s success is to ensure that students are engaged and motivated to participate in the simulation. She elaborates on the fact that it was the student’s choice to become medical doctors, and their interest in their future profession is critical. Furthermore, Dr. Ekaterina delves into how practicing medicine virtually through early adoption can enhance clinical reasoning and refine communication skills between patients and practitioners.