Category: Ahrq

Etym. (n.) 1868, “sketch of the plot of a play,” from Italian scenario, from Late Latin scenarius “of stage scenes,” from Latin scena “scene.” Meaning “imagined situation” is first recorded 1960, in reference to hypothetical nuclear wars. Definition In health care simulation, a description of a simulation that includes the goals, objectives, debriefing points, narrative… Continue reading Scenario

Etym. safe (adj.) not able or likely to be hurt or harmed in any way; not in danger. Etym. environment (n.) the conditions that surround someone or something; the conditions and influences that affect the growth, health, progress, etc., of someone or something. Definition A learning environment where it is clarified that learners feel physically… Continue reading Safe Learning Environment

Definition The method of operation for running a simulation whereby the operator changes the parameters of the scene, the standardized patient, or the simulator as the scenario unfolds; the changes are dependent on the observations and knowledge of the instructor or the operator, which is based on the actions of the participant. Running a simulation… Continue reading Running on the Fly

Etym. role (n.) “part or character one takes,” c. 1600, from French rôle “part played by a person in life,” literally “roll (of paper) on which an actor’s part is written,” from Old French rolle. Etym. player (n.) Old English plegere, agent noun from play (v.). Stage sense is from mid-15c. Definition One who assumes… Continue reading Role Player

Etym. reflection (n.) Of the mind, from 1670s. Meaning “remark made after turning back one’s thought on some subject” is from 1640s. Definition The engagement of self-monitoring that occurs during or after a simulation experience; this self-monitoring is performed by participants during or after a simulation experience. A process to assist learners in identifying their… Continue reading Reflective Thinking

Note: this term often used synonymously with fidelity but not all agree these are the same Etym. realism (n.) 1794, from real (adj.) + -ism; after French réalisme or German Realismus; from Late Latin realis “real.” Meaning “close resemblance to the scene” (in art, literature, etc., often with reference to unpleasant details) is attested from… Continue reading Realism

Etym. psychology (n.) 1650s, “study of the soul,” from Modern Latin psychologia, probably coined mid-16c. in Germany by Melanchthon from Latinized form of Greek psykhe- “breath, spirit, soul” + logia “study of.” Meaning “study of the mind” first recorded 1748, from Christian Wolff’s “Psychologia empirica” (1732); main modern behavioral sense is from early 1890s. Etym.… Continue reading Psychological Safety

Etym. psychology (n.) 1650s, “study of the soul,” from Modern Latin psychologia, probably coined mid-16c. in Germany by Melanchthon from Latinized form of Greek psykhe- “breath, spirit, soul” + logia “study of.” Meaning “study of the mind” first recorded 1748, from Christian Wolff’s “Psychologia empirica” (1732); main modern behavioral sense is from early 1890s. Etym.… Continue reading Psychological Fidelity

Etym. prop (n.) “object used in a play,” 1898, from props (1841), shortened form of properties (which was in theatrical use from early 15c.). Definition In simulation, an element or accessory used in a given scenario to enhance realism, or to provide a cue to learners. A physical object used as an interface to a… Continue reading Prop

Etym. simulation (n.) noun of action from past participle stem of simulare “imitate,” from stem of similis “like.” Meaning “a model or mock-up for purposes of experiment or training” is from 1954. Definition A simulation in which the process is considered more important than the outcome. For example, a model of a radar system in… Continue reading Process-Oriented Simulation