Could the high-fidelity simulation’s wow factor fade after a while?

Introduction:
Simulation-based training (SBT) is a recognised teaching method within the curriculum of UK Foundation Programme doctors[1]. This form of training is expanding generally provokes both excitement and anxiety in participants.
Idea:
To investigate the effect of previous simulation experience on the feedback provided by junior foundation doctors being trained in an all-in-one-room simulation centre.
Method:
Fifty trainees took part individually in scenario-based simulation sessions covering common medical/surgical emergencies and this was followed by debrief sessions. Post-course feedback questionnaires based on a 6-point Likert scale (0=strongly disagree,5=strongly agree) were used to assess the candidates’ experience.
Results:
This was the first scenario-based simulation exposure for 10 out of the 50 foundation doctors. Although the small sample does not allow any meaningful statistical tests to be carried out, the data collected so far through diverse questions suggest that the perceived realism and educational benefits of SBT slightly diminishes once it is not a new experience.
Discussion:
High-fidelity simulation training is becoming increasingly popular and there is a drive to fully integrate SBT in the foundation training programme. The experience of trainees in full-immersion centres tends to be overwhelmingly positive at first. However with increasing exposure, this experience may become less impressive to the participants’ eyes and one may wonder if large and highly sophisticated centres are really necessary.
Conclusion:
The experience of candidates needs to be further explored with a larger sample in relation to whether it was their first exposure or if they have previously been trained in a full-immersive or all-in-one-room simulation centre .