Simulation in pediatric anesthesiology: current state and visions for the future.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:Simulation is a well established practice in medicine. This review reflects upon the role of simulation in pediatric anesthesiology in three parts: training anesthesiologists to care for pediatric patients safely and effectively; evaluating and improving systems of care for children; and visions for the future. RECENT FINDINGS:Simulation continues to prove a useful modality to educate both novice and experienced clinicians in the perioperative care of infants and children. It is also a powerful tool to help analyze and improve upon how care is provided to infants and children. Advances in technology and computational power now allow for a greater than ever degree of innovation, accessibility, and focused reflection and debriefing, with an exciting outlook for promising advances in the near future. SUMMARY:Simulation plays a key role in developing and achieving peak performance in the perioperative care of infants and children. Although simulation already has a great impact, its full potential is yet to be harnessed.