Addressing Student Confidence in Clinical Laboratory Practice and Communications: A Simulation-Based Approach

<h3>ABSTRACT</h3> Simulation in medical education is well documented as an effective educational approach for increasing student engagement and expanding understanding of professional practice. For medical laboratory science (MLS) students, simulation-based laboratories offer a structured opportunity to engage with the preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical phases of laboratory testing prior to entering clinical rotations. This study evaluates the impact of a novel clinical laboratory simulation experience, <i>Designing and Operating a Clinical Laboratory</i>, on MLS student confidence and comprehension of clinical laboratory operations and communications. Impact of the simulation was assessed by evaluating student confidence in performing key functions required of medical laboratory professionals. Participants completed a pre- and postsimulation questionnaire consisting of Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. Our findings demonstrate consistent increases in confidence across multiple phases of laboratory testing following participation in the simulation. Additionally, participants were asked to rate the effectiveness of the simulation, with responses indicating high levels of satisfaction in, and perceived value of, the exercise. Finally, we describe the design, development, and facilitation of this educational simulation to support replication and further research in this important field of study.