Simulation-based teaching versus traditional small group teaching for first-year medical students among high and low scorers in respiratory physiology, India: a randomized controlled trial

Although it is widely utilized in clinical subjects for skill training, using simulation-based education (SBE) for teaching basic science concepts to phase I medical students or pre-clinical students is limited. Simulation-based education/teaching is preferred in cardiovascular and respiratory physiology when compared to other systems because it is easy to recreate both the normal physiological component and alterations in the simulated environment, thus a promoting deep understanding of the core concepts. A block randomized study was conducted among 107 phase 1 (first-year) medical undergraduate students at a Deemed to be University in India. Group A received SBE and Group B traditional small group teaching. The effectiveness of the teaching intervention was assessed using pre- and post-tests. Student feedback was obtained through a self administered structured questionnaire via an anonymous online survey and by in-depth interview.