Table 1.

Similarities and differences between traditional introductory placements and the simulation-based introductory placement

	Traditional placement	Simulation-based placement
Time frame	18 days, 7.5 h/day	18 days, 7.5 h/day
Supervision model	Variable—1:2 to 1:6	1:4
Total number of cases seen	Variable	25 (8 or 9 per core area); all students see the same cases
Practice area	One area, variable	3 areas (cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, neurological) for all students
Acuity of cases seen	Variable, depending on placement setting and area of practice; unpredictable within each placement	Planned according to stage of learning
Pathologies seen	Variable according to placement; unpredictable within each placement	Planned according to stage of learning
Patient feedback	Variable—none specifically sought	Planned so that all students received feedback on professionalism and communication from professional actors