Medical Simulation in Toxicology: Enhancing Clinical Competence, Decision- Making, and Patient Care in Resource-Limited Settings

Medical simulation has emerged as a transformative approach in toxicology education. By providing immersive, hands-on experience, simulation enhances learner engagement, critical thinking, and long-term knowledge retention while offering a safe environment to practice clinical decision-making without jeopardizing patient safety. Despite these advantages, the integration of simulation-based training remains limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to resource constraints, lack of standardized curricula, and limited access to high-fidelity simulators. Additionally, little research has explored its optimal application in these settings. This review explores available evidence regarding the effectiveness of medical simulation in the diagnosis and treatment of toxicological emergencies in LMICs. Our findings suggest that while traditional lecture-based instruction may provide immediate knowledge gains, several studies suggest simulation-based training may enhance long-term retention and practical skills, particularly in resource-limited environments. This review highlights the need for further research to develop cost-effective, scalable simulation models tailored to LMICs and evaluate their impact on clinical outcomes in toxicology education.