Standardized patient-based simulation training as a tool to improve the management of chronic disease.

Introduction: Patient education is a critical factor in the treatment of chronic disease because it reduces gaps in health care and disease management. We implemented different methods of physician training for patient education of asthma and compared the effects on patients' health.

Method: Four interventions were administered to groups of primary care physicians in one health care maintenance organization.

Simulation based medical education: an opportunity to learn from errors.

Medical professionals and educators recognize that Simulation Based Medical Education (SBME) can contribute considerably to improving medical care by boosting medical professionals' performance and enhancing patient safety. A central characteristic of SBME is its unique approach to making (and learning from) mistakes, which is regarded as a powerful educational experience and as an opportunity for professional improvement. The basic assumption underlying SBME is that increased practice in learning from mistakes and in error management in a simulated environment will reduce occurrences of errors in real life and will provide professionals with the correct attitude and skills to cope competently with those mistakes that could not be prevented.