Etym. functional (adj.) 1630s, “pertaining to function or office,” from function (n.) + -al (1), or from Medieval Latin functionalis. Meaning “utilitarian” is by 1864. Related: Functionally; functionality.
Etym. fidelity (n) early 15c., “faithfulness, devotion,” from Middle French fidélité (15c.), from Latin fidelitatem (nominative fidelitas) “faithfulness, adherence, trustiness,” from fidelis “faithful, true, trusty, sincere,” from fides “faith” (see faith). From 1530s as “faithful Adherence to truth or reality.”
Definition
- The degree in which the equipment used in the simulation responds to the participant’s actions; e.g., a static ventilator would offer low functional fidelity compared to a working ventilator in a simulation requiring a ventilator alarm.
See also: FIDELITY, HIGHT FIDELITY SIMULATOR, REALISM