Human Patient Simulation Training Unit
EDUCATION IN MOTION
Evaluating and educating professionals involved in occupations where time dependent, life saving decisions are made is extremely challenging. The airline industry and more recently professional drivers have utilized simulators to immerse staff in worse case scenarios. Simulators allow staff to practice in real time, life like situations without compromising client, public and operator safety.
The health care profession has adopted Human Patient Simulators to test the clinical ability of various professions from Registered Nurses to Anesthetists. According to the Bristol Medical Simulation Centre in the United Kingdom, use of Patient Simulators in hospitals and universities has grown exponentially in recent years.
This technology has proven effective at testing clinical knowledge, decision making and time management. Advanced simulators can also test the actual physical skill or mechanics of the procedure required. Simulators have the added benefit of promoting teamwork and leadership under stressful situations. Successful outcomes in the simulator are the result of the synergy of all of the above skills. The skills learned in the simulation environment have a direct field application. Realistic simulation appeals to learners as it immerses the learner in the situation. Users claim to actually feel emotion when their simulated patient doesn’t make it.
Retrospective analysis can include audio-visual recordings of their performance with event chronology. Identified weakness can be repeated immediately until the practitioner is comfortable and proficient.
AHS EMS has adopted this simulation program and the Regional EMS Foundation is supporting fundraising efforts o purchase a mobile unit for the North Zone.
For more information on Simulation or how you can support the Regional EMS Foundation programs please contact joann.cazakoff@albertahealthservices.ca
