Simulation is the reproduction of part or all of a clinical encounter through the use of mannequins, computer-assisted resources, and simulated patients. Advances in learning technologies have seen a huge increase in the availability and use of simulators and high-fidelity simulations. However, low-fidelity resources have been used successfully for many years and, like traditional teaching environments, need to be carefully integrated into the learning/training spectrum. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Simulation: allows students to practice in a safe and secure environment allows observation of a "clinical episode" without disturbing the natural cadence of interaction assists students' reflection on their own strengths and weaknesses through feedback of teachers, colleagues and "patients", including video analysis, allows teachers/staff to assess skills in an objective and reproducible way, allows the reproduction of important clinical scenarios that may be rarely encountered in real life, e.g. anaphylaxis Allows the assessment of complex interactions, skills and attributes that may be difficult to reproduce or evaluate or are rarely experienced, for example on-call working, multidisciplinary teamwork, discussing sensitive and/or important information with patients or professionals. Simulations vary in their relationship (fidelity) to real, lived experience. Low-fidelity simulation could include the use of mannequins to practice clinical exams or procedures such as ophthalmoscopy or a vaginal exam. Manikins can also be used to test skills in simple clinical procedures such as suturing or inserting urinary catheters, intravenous cannulas and nasogastric tubes. Sometimes colleagues use each other to practice simple clinical procedures, for example taking blood pressure or temperature. The use of these relatively simple simulations can be increased by incorporating them into clinical scenarios, contextualizing their use and importance. This helps to introduce and reinforce good practice and generic issues such as hygiene, patient and staff safety, teamwork, communication, clinical reasoning and problem solving. Low-fidelity simulation has numerous advantages: it is easy to 'house' - it can be used within a specialist center or classroom it is relatively cheap to purchase, maintain and use it is portable - many of the mannequins can be stored in a central location and moved around teaching areas when needed is easy to maintain and ensuring lower costs means they are easier to duplicate and therefore provide practice to larger numbers/groups of students; they are therefore easy to use even in station-based evaluations, where several synchronous circuits can be performed if placed in safe locations. It can be used for self-directed learning. Allows students multiple practice attempts before attempting the skill on a real patient. High-fidelity simulation refers to structured student learning experiences with the use of a technologically advanced computer manikin, the Human Patient Simulator (HPS). The HPS is anatomically precise and reproduces physiological responses. Students are administered sequential decision-making events within an environment that mimics a clinical setting. Instructors can monitor the manikin's responses and the HPS can respond to student-provided interventions. Faculty using simulation technology can also ensure that.
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