Simulation in healthcare : journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare
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Photorealistic simulations may provide efficient transfer of certain skills to the real system, but by being opaque may fail to encourage deeper learning of the structure and function of the system. Schematic simulations that are more abstract, with less visual fidelity but make system structure and function transparent, may enhance deeper learning and optimize retention and transfer of learning. We compared learning effectiveness of these 2 modes of externalizing the output of a common simulation engine (the Virtual Anesthesia Machine, VAM) that models machine function and dynamics and responds in real time to user interventions such as changes in gas flow or ventilation. ⋯ Schematic simulations that transparently allow learners to visualize, and explore, underlying system dynamics and relations among components may provide a more effective mental model for certain systems. This may lead to a deeper understanding of how the system works, and therefore, we believe, how to detect and respond to potentially adverse situations.
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Prompt and successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a sudden cardiac arrest can be hindered by multiple variables, ie, ineffective communication, stress, lack of training, and an unfamiliar environment, such as a new hospital facility. The main objective of the study was to use high-fidelity simulations to orient Code Blue Teams (CBTs) to critical events in a new hospital facility. A secondary objective was to elucidate factors that may have contributed to responses by debriefing teams. ⋯ Clinical simulation can be effectively used to orient CBTs and identify critical safety issues in a newly constructed healthcare facility.
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The aim of this review was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the roles of real and simulated patients in undergraduate medical education. The literature was reviewed in relation to four patient roles: real patients as educational "resource" (passive role), real patients as teachers (active role), and simulated patients as educational resource and teachers. ⋯ Disadvantages were their limited availability and the variability in learning experiences among students. Despite the considerable amount of literature we found, many gaps in knowledge about patient roles in medical education remain and should be addressed by future studies.
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Human factors and teamwork are major contributors to sentinel events. A major limitation to improving human factors and teamwork is the paucity of objective validated measurement tools. Our goal was to develop a brief tool that could be used to objectively evaluate teamwork in the field during short clinical team simulations and in everyday clinical care. ⋯ The CTS was developed to efficiently measure key clinical teamwork skills during simulation exercises and in everyday clinical care. It contains 15 questions in 5 clinical teamwork domains (communication, situational awareness, decision-making, role responsibility, and patient friendliness). It is easy to use and has construct validity with median ratings consistently corresponding with the intended teamwork level. The CTS is a brief, straightforward, valid, reliable, and easy-to-use tool to measure key factors in teamwork in simulated and clinical settings.
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Simulators are used extensively for the training of medical personnel. All anesthesia providers should be prepared and trained in the management of one lung ventilation for pulmonary surgery, yet familiarization with one lung ventilation may not be possible on a routine basis in the operating room. Therefore, this reports details the first use of the patient simulator (PS) to enhance the training of anesthesia residents in the management of one lung ventilation. A detailed report of our computer program for simulating one lung ventilation is included.