The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society : official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society
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Can anesthesia simulation be used successfully in training to improve the abilities of anesthesiologists and so result in decreased morbidity and mortality due to human error? In this review, computer simulation is examined as a training technique to reduce human error during the administration of anesthesia and as a method for studying how anesthetic accidents occur. Simulation is used successfully in other fields, such as aviation pilot training. A discussion of what defines human error will enable understanding of how computer simulation may be used to reduce it. ⋯ These two available simulators are discussed. It is presently unknown whether or not the use of simulation in anesthesia training improves the quality of that training. However, simulators necessary to answer this question are either available now or will be in the near future.