Recent advances in scenario-based training for medical education

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent thinking about how to best design simulations and other virtual environments in medical education and training. RECENT FINDINGS: On the basis of work done in a military context, I describe an approach to scenario-based training and provide a conceptual framework in which developmental activities can be organized. This approach emphasizes the linkages among learning objectives, scenario events, performance measures, instructional strategies and feedback in creating effective scenario-based training. SUMMARY: In presenting this framework, I hope that medical educators and practitioners can have a deeper appreciation for how to best design and implement scenario-based training.