[Full-scale simulation in German medical schools and anesthesia residency programs : Status quo].

backgroundSimulation has been increasingly used in medicine. In 2003 German university departments of anesthesiology were provided with a full-scale patient simulator, designated for use with medical students. Meanwhile simulation courses are also offered to physicians and nurses. Currently, the national model curriculum for residency programs in anesthesiology is being revised, possibly to include mandatory simulation training.

objectivesTo assess the status quo of full-scale simulation training for medical school, residency and continuing medical education in German anesthesiology.

methodsAll 38 German university chairs for anesthesiology as well as five arbitrarily chosen non-university facilities were invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding their centers' infrastructure and courses held between 2010 and 2012.

resultsThe overall return rate was 86 %. In university simulation centers seven non-student staff members, mainly physicians, were involved, adding up to a full-time equivalent of 1.2. All hours of work were paid by 61 % of the centers. The median center size was 100 m

conclusionsImportant first steps have been taken to implement full-scale simulation in Germany. In addition to programs for medical students courses for physicians and nurses are available today. To reach everyone clinically involved in German anesthesiology on a regular basis the current capacities need to be dramatically increased. The basis for that to happen will be new concepts for funding, possibly supported by external requirements such as the national model curriculum for residency in anesthesiology.