DOI
https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00001.2007

Summary
A two-component simulation model to teach respiratory mechanics is described in the article. The model simulates combined pulmonary and chest mechanics during spontaneous breathing and artificial ventilation and is based on Hutchinson’s classical bell spirometer. The model can be used in the learning process to simulate pathophysiological situations, compare different scenarios of respiratory mechanics, visualize pressure changes. The authors provide descriptions for several use cases, such as modeling spontaneous respiration, forced expiration, mechanical ventilation, and others. Model evaluation by the medical students proves that interactive learning approach helps students to better understand the connection between the different parts included in the complex respiratory system.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The authors present the developed simulation model to teach respiratory mechanics. The authors state that interactive learning environment results in better evaluation of the model in students’ questionnaire, may raise interest in lung physiology and help improve respiratory patients’ care, develop analytical skills in analyzing the stress-strain curves and other parameters which are defined as output of the model. The model can be applied to simulate various types of respiratory behavior which is an indication of different health conditions and diseases.
The interactive learning environment is important as knowledge obtained from the textbooks provides only limited understanding on interdependent lung and chest mechanics. The complementation of conventional teaching strategy by interactive simulation enhances understanding and learning motivation. Despite the high value for medical students, this simulation model is a great example of complex system simulation and developing the model requires knowledge in mechanics and medicine.

Point of Strength
The article presents a mechanical model of respiratory mechanics which provides interactive teaching for medical students. Obviously, the development of such model required collaboration of engineers and physicians.