TURNKEY SIMULATION ECOSYSTEMS IN HEALTHCARE EDUCATION: MARKET DYNAMICS, EDUCATIONAL IMPACT, AND IMPLEMENTATION PATHWAY FOR EASTERN EUROPE AND UKRAINE
Abstract
Healthcare simulation has become a central pillar of competency-based medical education (CBME) and patient-safety reform. In 2024, global investment in medical simulation exceeded $3 billion, reflecting double-digit growth and the rapid adoption of high-fidelity, immersive, and data-driven technologies. This paper examines turnkey simulation ecosystems, comprehensive, service-backed bundles that integrate technology, curriculum, analytics, faculty development, and lifecycle service, contrasted with modular, device-by-device procurement. Through a structured narrative review of peer-reviewed literature, updated standards (INACSL 2024, SSH 2024), and current market analyses, we evaluate educational outcomes, operational efficiencies, and economic implications of turnkey adoption. The article introduces an implementation roadmap for Eastern Europe and Ukraine, aligning with regional financing realities and capacity-building needs. Findings highlight that turnkey ecosystems reduce integration friction, enable standardized and analytics-ready programs, and support defensible assessment data, provided that contracts ensure interoperability and a transparent total cost of ownership (TCO). The discussion concludes with 2024-specific insights into market trajectories, implementation science metrics, and policy recommendations.
References
Issenberg SB, McGaghie WC, Petrusa ER, Gordon DL, Scalese RJ. Features and uses of high-fidelity medical simulations that lead to effective learning: a BEME systematic review. Medical Teacher. 2005; 27(1):10-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01421590500046924
McGaghie WC, Issenberg SB, Petrusa ER, Scalese RJ. A critical review of simulation-based medical education research: 2003–2009. Medical Education. 2010; 44(1):50-63. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03547.x
Cook DA, Hatala R, Brydges R, et al. Technology-enhanced simulation for health professions education: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2011; 306(9):978-988. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.1234
Motola I, Devine LA, Chung HS, Sullivan JE, Issenberg SB. Simulation in healthcare education: AMEE Guide No. 82. Medical Teacher. 2013; 35(10):e1511-e1530. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/0142159X.2013.818632
INACSL Standards Committee. Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice (HSSOBP): 2021 Compilation and 2024 Addenda. Clinical Simulation in Nursing. 2024.
Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). Accreditation Standards for Healthcare Simulation Programs – 2024 Update. Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Simulation Programs.
ten Cate O. Nuts and bolts of entrustable professional activities. Journal of Graduate Medical Education. 2013; 5(1):157-158. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-12-00380.1
ten Cate O, Taylor DR. The recommended description of an entrustable professional activity: AMEE Guide No. 140. Medical Teacher. 2021; 43(10):1106-1114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159X.2020.1838465
Proctor EK, Silmere H, Raghavan R, et al. Outcomes for implementation research: conceptual distinctions, measurement challenges, and research agenda. Administration and Policy in Mental Health. 2011; 38(2):65-76. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-010-0319-7
World Health Organization (WHO). Patient Safety Curriculum Guide: Multi-professional Edition. Geneva: WHO; 2011.
PDF: https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44641
Seymour NE, Gallagher AG, Roman SA, et al. Virtual reality training improves operating room performance: results of a randomized, double-blinded study. Annals of Surgery. 2002; 236(4):458-463. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-200210000-00008
Mao RQ, Lan L, Kay J, Lohre R, Ayeni OR, Goel DP. Immersive virtual reality for surgical training: a systematic review. Journal of Surgical Research. 2021; 268:40-58. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2021.06.012
Zendejas B, Wang AT, Brydges R, Hamstra SJ, Cook DA. Cost: the missing outcome in simulation-based medical education research: a systematic review. Surgery. 2013; 153(2):160-176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surg.2012.06.025
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). TeamSTEPPS 3.0 Fundamentals Course and Curriculum Materials (2023). Rockville (MD): AHRQ. URL: https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps
Reeves S, Perrier L, Goldman J, Freeth D, Zwarenstein M. Interprofessional education: effects on professional practice and healthcare outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013;(3):CD002213. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002213.pub3
Markets and Markets Research. Healthcare Simulation Market Report 2024: Forecast to 2030 (Industry Analysis). PR Newswire Press Release, April 2024. URL: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/healthcare-simulation-market-worth-us7-23-billion-by-2030-with-15-6-cagr--marketsandmarkets-302475155.html
IMARC Group. United States Medical Simulation Market Report 2024. IMARC Research Portal. URL: https://www.imarcgroup.com/united-states-medical-simulation-market
Straits Research. Healthcare Simulation Market 2024 Overview. Straits Research Analytics Portal. URL: https://straitsresearch.com/report/healthcare-simulation-market
