A history of simulation starts with its definition…

Simulation is a technique not a technology that “creates a situation or environment to allow persons to experience a representation of a real event for the purpose of practice, learning, evaluation, testing, or to gain understanding of systems or human actions” (Society for Simulation in Healthcare, 2020).

Simulation has also been described as “a pedagogy using one or more typologies to promote, improve, or validate a participant’s progression from novice to expert (INACSL, 2013).

To get started here is a link to the Society for Simulation’s Healthcare Simulation Dictionary, – to familiarize yourself with terms used in simulation learning.

One of the first “simulators” used by nurses – Mrs. Chase made by a doll company in the early 1900’s for the Hartford Hospital Training School
(Simulation in Nursing, Owen H., 2016)

Simulators and equipment used for simulation (AKA typologies/modalities) have come a long way since Mrs. Chase. Differentiating simulation as a pedagogical approach as opposed to the tools used for simulation is an important aspect of incorporating the right tools (typologies/modalities) for the right simulation. Learn more in simulation design