Smart skills for a smarter India: the role of simulation in education

The revised curriculum introduced by the national medical commission mandates comprehensive training in communication and procedural skills for medical students. This makes simulation-based education (SBE) an imminent necessity across disciplines. Simulation offers a computer-generated representation of real-world systems, providing learners with an opportunity for practice, feedback, reflection, and immersion without the risks inherent in real-life scenarios. Over the years, the scope of simulation in medical education has expanded significantly, ranging from basic task trainers for fundamental skills to high-fidelity human patient simulators. India has begun recognizing the critical role of SBE in enhancing core clinical skills and teamwork. However, its widespread implementation is fraught with challenges, including resource limitations and the need for trained educators. The dualistic outcomes of simulation-based education necessitate a structured evaluation of its viability and utility in the Indian healthcare education system. This review employs "skills acquisition theory" as a framework, emphasizing the development of clinical skills through deliberate practice.