https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2026.14295
Evolution of simulation-based training in Italian emergency medicine residency programs: results from a national longitudinal survey (2022–2024)
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Published: 21 May 2026
Simulation-Based Education (SBE) is increasingly recognized as a key component of Emergency Medicine (EM) training. In Italy, where EM residency programs are relatively recent, national initiatives have been developed to promote and standardize the use of simulation within postgraduate training. A national survey was conducted among all Italian Emergency Medicine residency programs in 2022 and repeated in 2024 to assess changes in the use of simulation-based education. The survey explored the frequency and duration of simulation activities, available infrastructure, instructor qualifications, and the integration of simulation into training and assessment. Response rates were high in both years (91% in 2022 and 84% in 2024). The proportion of programs offering simulation-based training increased from 45% to 57%. High-fidelity simulation showed a moderate increase, while procedural skills remained the main focus of simulation activities. Crisis Resource Management (CRM) and non-technical skills training were reported in a minority of programs. The number of certified simulation facilitators increased, although access to simulation centers remained uneven. Simulation was rarely used for assessment purposes. Simulation-based education in Italian Emergency Medicine residency programs is gradually expanding, although important disparities remain in access to infrastructure and trained faculty. Future efforts should focus on strengthening faculty development, improving access to simulation resources, and integrating simulation more systematically into curricula and assessment processes.
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CRediT authorship contribution
Conceived and designed the survey: MC, MDC, GZ, PI, GM. Analyzed the data: MC, MDC and GM. Wrote the paper: MC, MDC, GZ, PI, GM. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.
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