SimWars

Abstract

Background: Simulation use for training residents has become an expectation in emergency medicine in order to improve the educational dimensions of cognitive knowledge, critical thinking, psychomotor skills, and clinical performance.

Discussion: This article is a descriptive piece highlighting a novel group education format-"SimWars." The keys to a successful SimWars competition, including descriptions of necessary personnel and tips on effective case development, as well as lessons learned from its development and implementation, are described. After reading this article, educators will have the background necessary to implement their own simulation-enhanced training sessions.

Conclusions: SimWars gives educators an opportunity to watch the decision-making process of the learners as they manage simulated complex scenarios in a cooperative competitive environment.

Keywords: SimWars; emergency medicine; graduate medical education; large group learning; simulation.