Simulation in healthcare : journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare
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This article presents a simulation architecture for a patient tracking system simulator to study caregiver performance in emergency departments (EDs). The architecture integrates discrete event simulation modeling with clinical patient information. Evaluation components for electronic patient tracking system displays are also described. ⋯ Modular design of the patient-tracking system display simulation helps adaptation for different studies to support various interface features and interaction types. The methodology described in this work exploits the benefits of discrete event simulation to iteratively design and test technologies such as electronic patient tracking systems and allows assessment of human performance measures.
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High-fidelity patient simulation is increasingly recognized as an effective means of team training, acquisition and maintenance of technical and professional skills, and reliable performance assessment; however, finding a cost effective solution to providing such instruction can be difficult. This report describes the rationale, design, and appropriateness of a portable simulation model and example of its successful use at national meetings. ⋯ The Portable Simulation Training and Assessment Program (Pediatric Anesthesia in-Situ Simulation) presents innovative educational and financial opportunities to assist in both training and assessment of critical emergency response skills at smaller institutions and allows specialized instruction in an in situ setting.
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Interventions to reduce preventable complications such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) can also decrease hospital costs. However, little is known about the cost-effectiveness of simulation-based education. The aim of this study was to estimate hospital cost savings related to a reduction in CRBSI after simulation training for residents. ⋯ A simulation-based educational intervention in CVC insertion was highly cost-effective. These results suggest that investment in simulation training can produce significant medical care cost savings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Prospective randomized trial of simulation versus didactic teaching for obstetrical emergencies.
The objective of this study was to determine whether simulation was more effective than traditional didactic instruction to train crisis management skills to labor and delivery teams. ⋯ In an academic training program, didactic and simulation-trained groups showed equal results on written test scores. Simulation-trained teams had superior performance scores when tested in a labor and delivery drill. Simulation should be used to enhance obstetrical emergency training in resident education.
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Decision support tools are an important adjunct to medical resuscitation. We initiated a study comparing the use of the traditional code book method versus a computerized decision support system. ⋯ Using simulation, numerous deficiencies were revealed regarding resident physician dysrhythmia knowledge. Most importantly, the rate of incorrect dysrhythmia recognition required discontinuation of the initial study, reorganization, and implementation of a modified study to achieve the study purpose.