Simulation Experiences

Full-body Computerized Patient Simulators:
The Clinical Simulation Center houses a complete family of high-fidelity mannequins, including a pregnant mannequin who delivers vaginally or by Cesarean Section, two newborns, one-year old, five-year old and four adult males. These mannequins are used to teach procedures and skills, as well as validate critical thinking, team performance and provide experience with high-acuity, low-volume situations that occur in the pre-hospital, hospital and clinic envrionments.

Standardized Patients:
A Standardized/Simulated Patient (SP) is a person who has been carefully coached to portray an actual patient scenario so accurately that the simulation cannot be detected by a skilled healthcare provider. Standardized Patients are used to validate a learner's ability to interact with a patient in an appropriate, professional manner. SP's are very useful in teaching interview and physical exam skills, as well as the evaluation of patient-centered care, difficult discussions and professionalism. SP's provide a risk-free learning environment in preparation for students' interactions with real patients.

Virtual Reality/Computer Simulations:
Virtual Reality has been validated as a means for surgical procedures and enhance critical thinking skills. The Clinical Simulation Center is a testing site for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program.

Task Trainers:
Low-fidelity task trainers are fundamental tools for the instruction of clinical skills and procedures. These provide anatomically correct landmarks and allow the learner to acquire, develop, and maintain motor skills required to efficiently perform a particular procedure.

Hybrid Simulations:
The practice of combining any of the above simulation modalities is termed a “Hybrid Simulation”. The use of more than one modality allows for the creation of more realistic scenarios and using the strength of each practice to better teach or assess learners.