Onlinization of a simulation course that includes minor emergency procedures

AIM: We attempted to convert a simulation course held on‐site for primary care physicians to learn about the initial treatment of minor emergencies, including some common surgical procedures, to an online format. METHODS: We reviewed the subjects covered in the course and evaluated whether it was “decision‐making” or “technical skills” that had been primarily taught as simulation‐based training for each subject, and then supplemented the contents accordingly. RESULTS: As a result, satisfaction levels with the online course were comparable to those with the on‐site course as measured by a postcourse questionnaire (97.6% [83/85 participants] rating it as “excellent” or “good” on a 5‐point Likert scale postcourse questionnaire). CONCLUSION: We showed that it is reasonable to offer simulation in place of in‐person training even for some procedures that were once assumed to be difficult to teach online. Of note, the online course is not just a replacement for the on‐site course; it can offer other benefits, including opportunities for those who have difficulty attending courses due to distance or work‐related reasons. After the COVID‐19 pandemic period, both onsite and online courses can be held, allowing participants to choose the style of course that best suits their situation.