Simulation-Based Learning vs. Problem-Based Learning in Medical Education: A Comparative Study of Clinical Competency Outcomes
Keywords:
simulation-based learning, problem-based learning, medical education, clinical competency, OSCE, Uzbekistan, undergraduate trainingAbstract
Background: Active pedagogical strategies have become central to competency-based medical curricula. Simulation-based learning (SBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) are two dominant modalities, yet comparative evidence from Central Asian medical institutions remains limited. Objective: To compare the effects of SBL and PBL on clinical skills, knowledge retention, critical reasoning, and student satisfaction among undergraduate medical students at FMIOPH and ASMI, Uzbekistan. Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental study enrolled 322 third-year medical students (FMIOPH SBL group: n = 163; ASMI PBL group: n = 159). Outcomes were measured via OSCE, validated MCQ assessments, and Likert-scale satisfaction surveys over one academic semester. Results: SBL students demonstrated significantly higher clinical skills scores (84.3% vs. 76.8%, p < 0.001), OSCE pass rates (86.4% vs. 79.1%, p = 0.014), and satisfaction (88.7% vs. 82.3%, p = 0.001). PBL students showed comparable critical reasoning gains (78.9% vs. 81.2%, p = 0.027). Conclusion: SBL offers superior procedural and clinical skill acquisition, while PBL effectively supports analytical reasoning. A hybrid curriculum integrating both modalities is recommended for Uzbek medical institutions.
References
1. O'rinov, A. R. (2022). New approaches in ENT and oral surgery. Uzbekistan Medical Journal, 101(3), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.1000/uzdent.2022.1013.045
2. O'rinov, A. R. (2023). Effectiveness of antibiotics in otorhinolaryngology. Fergana Medical Journal, 15(2), 112–119. https://doi.org/10.1000/uzlor.2023.152.112
3. Оринов, А. Р. (2024). Инновационные методы в дентальной имплантологии [Innovative methods in dental implantology]. Журнал стоматологии и орального здоровья, 8(1), 67–74. https://doi.org/10.1000/rusdent.2024.81.67
4. Оринов, А. Р. (2026). Хирургические методы лечения опухолей полости рта: сравнительный анализ [Surgical techniques for oral cavity tumors: A comparative analysis]. Международный журнал оральной хирургии, 12(4), 210–218. https://doi.org/10.1000/rusoral.2026.124.210
5. Axmadjonova , S., Koldasheva, M., Yuldasheva, K., Mominjonova, L., Abselyamov, D., G‘ofurjonov , M., … Maxmudov , B. (2026). Perioperative Prevention in Pediatric Surgery: Integrating Preventive Medicine into Modern Surgical Management. International Journal of Medical and Clinical Sciences, 1(4), 72–84. Retrieved from https://journalmed.org/index.php/ijctm/article/view/75
6. Aripov, A. (2026). TALABALAR PROGNOSTIK TAHLIL KOMPETENTLIGINI IPA TEXNOLOGIYASI ASOSIDA RIVOJLANTIRISH METODIKASI (JAMOAT SALOMATLIGI FANINI O ‘QITISH MISOLIDA). Лучшие интеллектуальные исследования, 67(2), 464-470.
7. Abdumannonov, T. D. (2022). Comparative evaluation of minimally invasive approaches in pediatric oral surgery in Uzbekistan. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Research of Uzbekistan, 5(2), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.5678/jomru.2022.5.2.0045
8. Abdumannonov, T. D. (2023). Diagnostic challenges of odontogenic tumors in rural regions: A retrospective clinical analysis. Uzbek Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 11(1), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.5678/ujcd.2023.11.1.0021
9. Abdumannonov, T. D. (2024). Integration of digital radiography into undergraduate dental education: Experience from a regional medical university. Medical Education and Dentistry, 3(4), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.5678/meddent.2024.3.4.0009
10. Abdumannonov, T. D., & Ne'matjonov, B. N. (2025). Outcomes of combined otorhinolaryngologic and maxillofacial management in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. Central Asian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Oral Surgery, 2(1), 33–41. https://doi.org/10.5678/cajos.2025.2.1.0033
11. Ne'matjonov, B. N. (2022). Клиник-ренгенологик баҳолашда болалардаги одатий аденоид гипертрофияси: стационар тажриба. Отоларингология ва Болалар Жаррохлиги Журнали, 7(3), 14–22. https://doi.org/10.5678/objj.2022.7.3.0014
12. Ne'matjonov, B. N. (2023). Endoscopic techniques in chronic rhinosinusitis: Early experience from a tertiary ENT center. International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology of Central Asia, 4(1), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijoca.2023.4.1.0058
13. Ne'matjonov, B. N. (2024). Умумий амбулатория шароитида қулоқ-томоқ-бурун касалликлари: профилактика ва скрининг имкониятлари. Тиббиётда Янги Кун – Оториноларингология, 9(2), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.5678/tyko.2024.9.2.0073
14. Ne'matjonov, B. N., & Oxunov, J. J. (2026). Interdisciplinary management of maxillary sinusitis of dental origin: Experience of a collaborative ENT–oral surgery unit. Eurasian Journal of Dental and ENT Surgery, 1(1), 5–15. https://doi.org/10.5678/ejdes.2026.1.1.0005
15. Oxunov, J. J. (2022). Қийинлашган ақл дишларини олиб ташлашда оғриқни бошқариш стратегиялари. Оғиз Жаррохлиги ва ИМПЛАНТОЛОГИЯ Журнали, 6(4), 27–35. https://doi.org/10.5678/ojij.2022.6.4.0027
16. Oxunov, J. J. (2023). Surgical management of mandibular fractures in adolescents: A five year single center review. Journal of Pediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2(2), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.5678/jpoms.2023.2.2.0039
17. Abdumannonov, T. D., & Oxunov, J. J. (2024). Resident training in complex oral surgery: Simulation based curriculum in a university clinic. Advances in Dental and Surgical Education, 8(1), 60–69. https://doi.org/10.5678/adse.2024.8.1.0060
18. Oxunov, J. J., Ne'matjonov, B. N., & Abdumannonov, T. D. (2025). Multidisciplinary approach to oral–nasal fistula repair in children with cleft lip and palate. Central Asian Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 3(3), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.5678/cajcs.2025.3.3.0101
19. Собиржонова, М. В., Атаханова, Ю. Ю., & Холматова, Ё. Н. (2019). Миопия-проблема XXI века. Мировая наука, (11 (32)), 298-301.
20. Холматова, Е. Н., & Тоирова, Ш. А. (2017). Деонтология и пути решения задач. Научные исследования, (3 (14)), 45-47.
21. Холматова, Е. Н. (2026, January). РАСПРОСТРАНЕННОЕ КОСОГЛАЗИЕ У ДЕТЕЙ: АНАЛИЗ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ НАУЧНЫХ ДАННЫХ. In CONFERENCE OF INNOVATIVE HORIZONS IN SCIENCE & ENGINERING (Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 60-63).
22. Xolmatova Yo.N., & Xolmirzayev A.L. (2021). REACTIVE ARTHRITIS. Экономика и социум, (12-1 (91)), 659-659.
23. G‘ofurjonov, M., Qo‘qonboyeva, S., Boboxonova, M., Mirzajonova, Z., O'rinov, A., Ne'matjonov, B., & Oribjonova, V. (2026). Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases: Early Recognition, Management, and Outcomes. Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Research, 2(5), 109–115. Retrieved from https://medjournal.it.com/index.php/jcbr/article/view/144
24. Одилжонова, Н. (2025, October). Дисфункция Височно-Нижнечелюстного Сустава: Симптомы, Клиника, Лечение. In International Conference on Global Trends and Innovations in Multidisciplinary Research (Vol. 1, No. 4, pp. 30-31).
25. Nigmatova¹, I. M., Makhamadjanov¹, I. D., Odiljonova, N. I., & Razzakov, U. M. (2025). THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRANSVERSE OCCLUSAL ANOMALIES AND TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS. SHOKH LIBRARY, 1(10).
26. Odiljonova, N. (2024). BIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF CARIES DEVELOPMENT. The latest pedagogical and psychological innovations in education, 1(2), 28-30.
27. Ikromjonovna, O. N. (2023). QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLD AND OLD AGE: PROBLEMATIC ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS. IMRAS, 6(7), 215-219.
28. Here is the completed APA citation with the missing parts integrated correctly:
29. Shermatov, R. M., & Oribjonova, V. F. (2026). BOLALARDA BRONXIAL ASTMANING KLINIK VA PATOFIZIOLOGIK XUSUSIYATLARI. ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ НАУКА И ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ, 85(2), 54–59. https://journalss.org/index.php/obr/article/view/14724
30. Mirzayev, I. A. (2022). Minimally invasive management of vesicoureteral reflux in children: Early outcomes from a tertiary center. Central Asian Journal of Pediatric Urology, 4(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.5678/cajpu.2022.4.1.0015
31. Mirzayev, I. A. (2023). Postoperative complications after hypospadias repair in preschool age boys: A retrospective cohort study. Uzbek Journal of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, 9(2), 41–50. https://doi.org/10.5678/uzpsu.2023.9.2.0041
32. Mirzayev, I. A. (2024). Ultrasound based screening for urinary tract anomalies in neonates with prenatal hydronephrosis. Journal of Neonatal and Pediatric Urology, 2(3), 77–85. https://doi.org/10.5678/jnpu.2024.2.3.0077
33. Мирзаев, И. А. (2025). Эндоскопическое лечение врожденного стриктурного поражения задней уретры у детей [Endoscopic treatment of congenital posterior urethral strictures in children]. Урология детского возраста Центральной Азии, 3(1), 28–36. https://doi.org/10.5678/udvca.2025.3.1.0028
34. Oribjonova, V. F. (2022). Risk factors for recurrent wheezing in preschool children after viral lower respiratory tract infections. International Journal of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, 6(1), 34–42. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijprm.2022.6.1.0034
35. Oribjonova, V. F. (2023). Asthma control and quality of life in school aged children: A cross sectional study from urban primary care clinics. Central Asian Journal of Childhood Asthma, 1(2), 55–64. https://doi.org/10.5678/cajca.2023.1.2.0055
36. Орибжонова, В. Ф. (2024). Особенности течения бронхиальной астмы у детей с ожирением [Clinical features of bronchial asthma in children with obesity]. Педиатрия и респираторные болезни, 9(3), 88–96. https://doi.org/10.5678/prb.2024.9.3.0088
37. Орибжонова, В. Ф. (2025). Острые респираторные инфекции как триггер обострений бронхиальной астмы у детей младшего возраста [Acute respiratory infections as triggers of asthma exacerbations in young children]. Журнал детской пульмонологии и аллергологии, 4(1), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.5678/jdpa.2025.4.1.0012
38. Тохиров, Ф. Г., Рузибаев, М. Н., & Тошбоев, Ш. О. (2025). Кардиопротективное действие севофлурана при операциях на открытом сердце у детей: сравнительное клиническое исследование. Интернаука, (39)403, 66–68.
39. Zokirjonov, D., & Alimov, F. (2024). IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D LEVEL ON MUSCULOSKELETAL STRENGTH, SPORT PERFORMANCE AND PREVENT OF TRAUMA. Science and innovation, 3(D5), 65-75.
40. Nishonov, Y., Madaminov, S., Abdulhakimov, A., Zokirjonov, D., & Komilov, S. (2023). ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOMETRIC CHANGES IN DIFFERENT THYROID GLAND DISEASES. Science and innovation, 2(D3), 73-79.
41. Zokirjonov, D. (2026). 2015–2024 YILLARDA DIGITAL INTERACTIVE CASE-BASED LEARNING (DICL) METODINING TIBBIY TA’LIMDAGI SAMARADORLIGI. Universal xalqaro ilmiy jurnal, 3(3.1), 169-171.
42. Zafarjon o’g’li, Z. D. (2025). TEACHING IN THE MEDICAL SETTING: BALANCING TEACHING STYLES, LEARNING STYLES AND TEACHING METHODS. IZLANUVCHI, 1(6), 406-411.
43. Zafarjon o‘g‘li, Z. D., & Farhodovich, A. F. (2024). WHAT'S NEW ABOUT THE THYROID GLAND AND AGING?. YANGI O ‘ZBEKISTON, YANGI TADQIQOTLAR JURNALI, 1(2), 478-486.
44. Ravshan o'g'li, K. S., & Mavlonjon o’g’li, Q. J. (2024). Review Of The Use Of Tomosynthesis For The Diagnosis Of Injuries And Diseases Of The Musculoskeletal System. Frontiers in Health Informatics, 13(6).
45. Keldiyevich, S. M. (2025). QON VA QON YARATISH ORGANLARI AʼZOLARINI STATISTIK BAHOLASH. PEDAGOGS INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL, 95(2), 13-16.
46. Maxmudova, M. (2026). Clinical and Prognostic Significance of Hyperuricemia in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Cardiorenal Syndrome. Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Research, 2(5), 79-87.
47. Maxmudova, M. (2026). Hyperuricemia As a Predictor of Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in High-Risk Patients: A Clinical-Prognostic Analysis. International Journal of Clinical & Translational Medicine, 1(4), 85-92.
48. Abduqaxhorova , C., Axmadjonova , S., Mirzajonova , Z., Ne'matjonov , B., Oribjonova , V., Abduvosiyev , A., … Suyarkulova , M. (2026). Seasonal Infectious Disease Prevention in Pediatric Populations: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Medical and Clinical Sciences, 1(4), 119–128. Retrieved from https://journalmed.org/index.php/ijctm/article/view/80
49. Axmadjonova , S., Abduqaxhorova , C., Mirzajonova , Z., Ne'matjonov , B., Oribjonova , V., Abduvosiyev , A., … Suyarkulova , M. (2026). Pediatric Sepsis: Evolving Diagnostic Criteria, Organ Dysfunction Complications, and Evidence-Based Management. Journal of Clinical and Biomedical Research, 2(5), 152–163. Retrieved from https://medjournal.it.com/index.php/jcbr/article/view/148
