Lifelong Learn. 2025, 15, 89-107
Playing Seriously: Clinical Simulations as a Game-Based Path to Interpersonal Communication Skills in Lifelong Learning
Interpersonal communication is widely recognised as a critical 21st - century skill and a cornerstone of lifelong learning. Yet developing such skills remains challenging, as traditional, theory-based approaches often fail to provide adults with the experiential practice needed for meaningful change. This theoretical study offers an integrative overview of clinical simulations with professional actors and highlights the ways they draw on characteristics commonly associated with serious games in adult learning, demonstrating their potential to bridge the persistent gap between abstract knowledge and real-world interpersonal performance. Originally established in medical education and subsequently adopted in teacher training and other professional domains, clinical simulations immerse participants in realistic, actor-facilitated scenarios where they can experiment, make mistakes, and receive immediate, multidimensional feedback without real-life consequences. A case example from faculty development workshops in higher education illustrates how this method fosters awareness of communication styles, empathy for others, and confidence in managing complex interpersonal situations. Although the case presented is situated in academia, the method’s potential extends well beyond this context. Clinical simulations can be adapted for vocational training, leadership development, and organisational learning, offering a scalable approach to cultivating interpersonal competencies across diverse sectors. The paper positions clinical simulation as a valuable contribution to lifelong learning and calls for further exploration of its applications in global professional contexts.
Keywords
interpersonal communication skills, clinical simulations, lifelong learning, serious games, 21st century skills, experiential learning.
