Assessment of effectiveness of two educational simulation modules for teaching neck stabilization

Abstract Purpose Neck stabilization is crucial in emergency medicine, physical therapy, and sports medicine. The study was conducted to identify the best simulation method to enhance final-year medical students’ neck stabilization skills, aiming to reduce preventable medical errors through standardized training. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, 72 final-year medical students were divided into two groups: Group A practiced neck stabilization on mannequins, and Group B practiced through role play with colleagues. Pre-test and post-test scores were analyzed using t-tests to compare MCQ (Multiple Choice Questionnaire) and OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) scores within and between the groups. Results Sixty-six students participated. The post-test mean MCQ scores for the mannequin and role-play groups were 8.24 ± 0.90 and 8.82 ± 0.39, respectively. The post-test mean OSCE scores were 8.00 ± 0.61 for mannequins and 8.54 ± 1.09 for role play. All students showed significant improvements in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores. There was a statistically significant difference between the two modules, with a more notable significance in the OSCE results after one month. Conclusion The study highlights the students’ learning needs and found better knowledge retention with role-play simulation-based training. Thus, this method, compliant with educational standards and adaptable to institutional specifics, is recommended.