The Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) recently celebrated International Health Simulation Week 2024, recognising the invaluable efforts of professionals in this field and promoting awareness of its significance in skill development and enhancing the quality of healthcare.

The Centre's participation in this annual global event aims to underscore the pivotal role of simulation in elevating medical education and training within the healthcare sector. Through this engagement, the Kingdom of Bahrain has firmly established its presence on the map of the International Society for Simulation in Healthcare, showcasing AGU’s commitment to advancing medical education and fostering innovation in the region.

The Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre is dedicated to contributing to the strategic objectives of AGU, which focus on enhancing competitive outcomes and constructing an integrated healthcare system that anticipates future demands. Additionally, it seeks to harness the potential of its medical and health sciences students through diverse and innovative activities that significantly enrich their educational and life experiences.

By celebrating International Health Simulation Week, the Centre aspires to stimulate the evolution of medical education and align with both the university’s vision and the aspirations of the GCC. The initiative aims to develop advanced educational experiences tailored to meet labour market needs and provide high-value educational practices, bolstered by Artificial Intelligence and virtual reality technologies.

Dr Reem Al Ansari, Head of the Simulation and Clinical Skills Centre at the AGU, emphasised that the Centre’s participation in the observation of this global event is part of its strategic plans to enhance the competency of medical students and cultivate their skills in accordance with the latest health protocols and procedures. 

She further reiterated that this commitment supports ongoing training programmes in healthcare, centred around patient care, by creating a safe and comprehensive simulation environment that ensures distinctive training for students, physicians, and healthcare specialists.

Dr Al Ansari noted that the International Health Simulation Week offers a valuable opportunity to highlight the crucial role that simulation plays in advancing medical education and improving patient safety. She clarified that the adoption of simulation technology extends beyond simply utilising advanced tools; it also represents an investment in developing educators who implement best practices in simulation-based education and experiential learning. 

Moreover, Dr Al Ansari pointed out that simulation is not merely a technological resource but an integrated methodology that allows for the provision of interactive, realistic and safe educational experiences, significantly enhancing the capabilities and skills of students at the AGU.

She added that the integration of simulation technologies in healthcare bolsters the university’s efforts to stay abreast of innovative and sustainable treatment approaches while enhancing and developing training programmes for medical and health sciences students, in line with AGU’s strategy for improving readiness and efficiency within the Centre by incorporating technology into diagnostic and treatment modalities, ultimately aiming for quality clinical training that meets international standards, thereby ensuring patient safety and satisfaction, as well as sustainable investment in future healthcare services.