Improving training in problem solving skills : Analysis of anesthesists' performance in simulated problem situations

Using a full scale anesthesia simulator, we compare and analyze the responses of anesthesia trainees (second and third year trainees and fourth and fifth year trainees) to 4 simulated problem situations that are very close to a real-world situation in order to establish relationship between these analyses and the contents of medical training cursus. Data were collected from systematic observations and videotaping of simulation sessions and self-confrontation. Several quantitative and qualitative variables were used to compare the performance of subjects: accuracy and speed of diagnosis, type of behaviors, identification and selectivity of diagnostic indices, hypotheses generated, type of reasoning.