CONTEXT: Most medical doctors are likely to work with patients experiencing mental health conditions. However, there are often limited educational opportunities for medical doctors to achieve professional development in the field of psychiatry. Simulation training in psychiatry may be a useful tool to foster this development.
OBJECTIVES:To assess the effectiveness of simulation training in psychiatry for medical students, post-graduate trainees, and medical doctors.
METHODS:For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 8 electronic databases and trial registries up to August 31, 2018. We manually searched key journals and the reference lists of selected studies. We included randomised and non-randomised controlled studies and single group prepost-test studies. Our main outcomes were based on Kirkpatrick levels. We included data only from Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) using random-effects models.
RESULTS:From 46 571 studies identified, we selected 163 studies and combined 27 RCTs. Interventions included simulation by role-play (n=69), simulated patients (n=72), virtual reality (n=22), manikin (n=5) and voice simulation (n=2). Meta-analysis found significant differences at immediate post-test for simulation compared with active and inactive controls on attitudes (SMD=0.52 (95%CI 0.31; 0.73; I 2 = 0%) and 0.28 (95%CI 0.04; 0.53; I 2 = 52%), respectively); on skills (SMD=1.37 (95%CI 0.56; 2.18; I 2 =93%) and 1.49 (95%CI 0.39; 2.58; I 2 = 93%), respectively); on knowledge (SMD=1.22 (95%CI 0.57; 1.88; I 2 = 0%) and 0.72 (95%CI 0.14; 1.30; I 2 = 80%), respectively); and on behaviours (SMD= 1.07 (95%CI 0.49; 1.65; I 2 =68%) and 0.45 (95%CI 0.11; 0.79; I 2 =41%), respectively. Significant differences were found at three-month follow-up for patient benefit and doctors' behaviours and skills.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite heterogeneity in methods and simulation interventions, our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of simulation training in psychiatry training.