Providence VA Medical Center has opened a simulation center, powered by technology from Exton, Pa.-based Education Management Solutions, which will enable instructors to practice and train for invasive procedures, emergency care and more, tracking progress along the way.
VA officials say the medical center plans to use this technology to videotape simulations for debriefing, research and staff education, according to Judy Murphy, RN, a member of the VA Nursing Academy Faculty at Providence VA Medical Center.
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The simulation center consists of two rooms – one equipped with two mannequins, and the other set up as a control/debriefing room. Murphy, who says she's interested in the use of “active learning strategies using principles of adult learning and experiential learning theory” to guide her practice, says she plans to expand the facility center once she's "able to demonstrate active use of the center and enhanced outcomes."
The goal, she adds, "is to provide staff with an opportunity to practice patient care, including invasive procedures, emergency care and routine protocols, while adhering to National Patient Safety Goal. I hope to enhance decision making, communication, and team skills in a safe learning environment.”
The simulation center will be used primarily by hospital staff, including more than 300 nurses; 300 physicians, surgeons and consulting physicians; six respiratory therapists; and 200 medical students and residents.
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Another goal of the new facility is to support SimLEARN, the National VA Simulation Program initiative to be the leader in simulation training. Murphy says it's also important “to provide ready access for continuous learning, just in time training, and skill practice,” along with providing a “location and mechanism for annual training and evaluation of high risk competencies.”
