Introduction:

Fidelity is a crucial, but diffuse, element in clinical simulation programs. It is commonly defined based on satisfaction questions, with subjective approaches and small sample sizes. Validated measuring instruments are needed for more objective consideration of fidelity in scenes with simulated participants and/or mannequins and in sophisticated or non-sophisticated environments.

Subjects and methods:

The indicators were defined by a bibliographic search of related topics in articles published in indexed journals with the keywords 'fidelity', 'realism', and 'high, medium and low fidelity' crossed with 'healthcare simulation', in Spanish and English. This is the first phase, conceptual, of a deeper research that will validate universal forms to measure fidelity.

Results:

Three general dimensions were conceptualized to measure fidelity. Each dimension was assigned specific units that were broken down into indicators grouped into three systemic use variables. The minimum unit of measurement was the indicator. Multiple and different appraisers were designated for each dimension.

Conclusions:

The indicators make possible to clarify the terms fidelity/realism for their standardized use. They define and make measurable the different expressions of realism. They make it possible to foresee and obtain the true cost/benefit of the investment in the faithful reproduction of the environments by the institutions. They make it possible to describe the traceability of the engineering fidelity in biotechnology products. They also make possible that the assets and products of the simulation are validated by clinical experts with a scientific basis, reducing the biases due to lack of knowledge or lack of definition.

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