Learning through play

Abstract

In healthcare education, learning may involve engaging students or professionals in simulation-based activities after they have acquired sufficient skills as a form of “play.” Over the years, techniques of teaching have evolved, enabling summative and formative assessment in more creative and rigorous manners. In clinical training, the danger of making errors is removed by participating in role-playing or through the use of technology that simulates patients. The degree of difficulty can be increased or eased as appropriate, with changes incorporated into an active and sometimes immersive simulation exercise. Learners acquire knowledge by reading, applying their knowledge to required skills, and developing appropriate behaviors and attitudes to their delivery of health care in real life. The authors follow the path of “play” by discussing simulation with examples and applications to daily life situations.