Simulation in Medical Education: Static and Interactive Manikins

Abstract This article reviews the use of static and interactive manikins for clinical simulations in medical education. Simulation is defined and discussed as ‘the representation of a system by a device . . . that imitates the behaviour of the system*. The review illustrates advantages and disadvantages of this form of instruction and the current state of the art of simulation as an educational tool is outlined. The interactive simulators are an electromechanical dental simulator, a childbirth simulator and two lifelike manikins: Harvey, which simulates cardiovascular physiological events, and Sim One, an anthropometric, computer‐controlled manikin used in the training of residents and personnel in anaesthetics.