In 2000 and 2001, the Institute of Medicine published two reports that have defined the hazards of modern medicine.1,2 These reports estimated that medical errors in the United States kill 44,000-98,000 patients each year and harm countless others. The reports offered recommendations that were consistent with other high-hazard industries, identifying systems rather than individuals as the cause for repeated human error. They also identified simulation as a powerful tool for producing positive change within the flawed health care system. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) responded by launching a broad patient safety initiative, including funding for simulation research with the understanding that simulation can complement other organizational change methods to facilitate adoption of best practices and technologies.3
Simulation interventions can improve patient safety by:
Health care has learned from safety initiatives used successfully in aviation.4 In fact, simulation in anesthesia is an adaptation...