The Clinical Simulation Lab provides a flexible experience for both faculty and students. Each of the simulators comes with a built-in set of scenarios that can be utilized. Additionally, faculty and students can develop new scenarios and new patients to use in the simulation experience. Digital Audiovideo equipment allows for recording the sessions and assessing performance. Some policies and guidelines should be followed to ensure a quality simulation.

SIMULATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCES (SCEs)

Simulated Clinical Experiences (SCEs) using the simulators in the CSL provide a hands-on, safe clinical environment in which students have complete autonomy in providing patient care and decision-making. They are free to make mistakes, enabling them to see the real effects of any errors in interpretation of assessment findings.

Simulation is designed to help students make the connection through theory and practice. Faculty can pause the progression of the SCE to emphasize how a particular action or inaction impacts the condition of the patient. Teaching can also be approached as an instructional format, where the disease is known ahead of time and student-led treatments are attempted. Students can also diagnose the simulated patient, with the added responsibility of requesting appropriate tests, monitors and interpretation of results. This helps them to develop critical thinking skills as they assess the patient and situation and analyze their findings in order to plan their interventions.

DIGITAL AV RECORDING & PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

To assist in assessing the simulation experience, each lab space is equipped with three cameras, two microphones and one lapel microphone for the instructor. The audio and video are digitally recorded, archived and made accessible via the web. The recordings of the simulated clinical experiences allow faculty to review, critique, evaluate, and report on students' clinical skills ability. The Digital AudioVideo multimedia system (see the EMS website for details) records what the student sees in the simulation as well as the actions he/she takes. In addition to the video feeds, a live data feed from the computer controlling the simulator is recorded. It tracks the physiologic response of the simulator to the student’s actions, giving the instructor the ability to assess overall team performance as well as individual performances. Coupled with Total SIM (see the EMS website for details) performance software, online questionnaires, scoring, self-evaluations, and performance reports can be implemented.

DEVELOPING NEW SCEs and PATIENTS

In addition to the packaged SCEs that come with the simulators, faculty and other CSL clients can create their own scenarios. Developing and evolving a Simulated Clinical Experience (SCE) and/or a patient can be very rewarding for both faculty and students. Although the simulators are preloaded with general scenarios, it will benefit the program and enhance learning outcomes if patients and scenarios are developed by program coordinators and faculty.

Any ideas or requests for scenario development are welcomed. Please allow sufficient time for pre-planning and collaboration with Joe Corvino, Clinical Simulation Coordinator. Key points to consider when developing SCEs include:

• What is the goal of the simulation?
• Identify learning objectives and conditions.
• Scenario synopsis.
• Patient history and information.
• Detailed list of clinical equipment needs and moulage.
• Post encounter debriefing and assessment

Two forms are provided to assist you in developing new SCEs. These forms MUST be filled out in order for your request to be processed.

• Links to these forms are on the left side of this page.
• Patient Development Form (PDF)
• Scenario Development Form (PDF)

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

The Clinical Simulation Laboratory is a clinical learning environment that contains highly sophisticated mannequins and equipment. Therefore, it is important to understand and follow specific policies and guidelines designed to insure the usability of the space and equipment associated with it.

• No food or drink is permitted in the Clinical Simulation Lab.
• Everyone must wash their hands prior to using the HPS, ECS, or BabySim.
• Gloves should be worn whenever gloves would be used in treating a real patient.
• Be careful when using pen or pencil in the CSL. The mannequins are highly susceptible to staining.
• Do Not unzip the mannequins.
• Students and faculty are expected to leave the lab in the same manner as they found it (i.e. equipment, tables, and chairs).
• Please submit a written list of disposable supplies used during a simulated clinical experience to the lab coordinator.
• Clinical Simulation Lab supplies and/or equipment are not to be removed from the lab without the written permission of the Lab Coordinator.
• Professional, safe behavior will be expected when participating in the Clinical Simulation Lab.
• Please alert CSL staff immediately to any concerns or problems with using HPS, ECS, or BabySim.

You can print the Guidelines (PDF link on the left side of this page) for easy reference while you work.

Updated 10/16/07