Redefining Simulation Fidelity for Healthcare Education

Background . Fidelity - an intrinsic property of simulation is crucial to simulation design and to educational effectiveness. Yet the term fidelit y is inconsistently used, which makes it difficult to draw inferences from current literature and translate research into practice. Aim . In this article, we attempt to bring some clarity to the term simulation fidelity in healthcare education . Method . We are opposed to the notion that high-fidelity simulation requires complete and faithful replication of reality , and instead argue for an accurate representation of real-world cues and stimuli. We address a number of issues surrounding the term fidelity and how it is currently used in the literature. Result . In recognising the limitations of current methods of describing fidelity in the literature, we propose an alternative 3-dimensional framework for fidelity along the axes of the patient , clinical scenario , and healthcare facilities as a means for more precise and practical positioning of current healthcare simulation activities. Conclusion . All aspects of fidelity significantly hinge on the learners’ perceived realism of the context of the learning episode as opposed to any one particular element such as the technology used.