How to apply peer role-play simulation in medical education?

Peer role-play is applied in medical education as one type of human simulation. It is a simulation method to teach communication and clinical skills; besides, it is used as an assessment method in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Peer role-play simulation provides a chance for training without any stress, developing the ability of students to think and interact rapidly with the patient in real-time to enhance authenticity. Peer role-play simulation has many advantages that serve the educational process. It promotes high-level engagement of students and a self-study approach in the learning process, develops interpersonal skills, improves professional attitude, and helps to acquire knowledge. Moreover, it develops the ability to recall information, interview skills, self-efficacy, confidence, and experience reflection. However, the efficacy and success of implementing peer role-play simulation in medical education still face many challenges based on its application method. Furthermore, there is still debate about the preference for using peer role-play in medical education compared to using standardized patients as an alternative method. In addition, virtual role-play simulation has emerged as another alternative to traditional peer-role play simulation via an intelligent learning environment to gain more knowledge in a short time.