Teaching health care management with simulation games

Abstract

Usage of simulation games in education is constantly growing, due to their significant benefits, such as interactivity in a risk free environment. Simulation games are a pedagogical tool which allows development and knowledge simultaneously with the development of experience, in controlled environment. Areas of education in which simulation games are used are broad and they range from engineering to business and management. Simulation games are also used in health care management, with range of interesting applications. System dynamics is a simulation method that is often used for the development of simulation games, since it allows an observance of long-term dynamic phenomena. The goal of the paper is to provide an overview of simulation games usage in education, with the focus to health care management. A simulation game, developed with the usage of system dynamics is presented, with the focus to epidemic investigation and management. Graphic user interface of the game, as well as several simulation runs are presented.