Simulation Accreditation through SSH

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare is now providing a process to accredit simulation labs. Follow this link to learn more! http://www.ssih.org/SSIH/ssih/Forums/SSHCommittees/CATS/Certification1/Default.aspx

Re: Technology discussion...

Accessing information at the bedside using electronic devices is relevant and a skill to integrate into our education practices, Scott. The most recent issue of the Journal of Nursing Education (their 50th anniversary!) highlights educational technologies like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), podcasts, simulation, and even texting in an undergraduate nursing course.

Cibulka & Crane-Wider (2011) successfully added PDAs to undergraduate and graduate nursing programs for students to access clinical relevant information at the point of care. They offer suggestions for successful implementation. Perhaps notebooks will be used as well. I like the idea of something I can fit in my pocket, unless the facility has these available at each bedside.

Of course another issue of infection control arises. Facility-based computers can have wipeable keyboards. A personal device could become a problem for isolation rooms in particular. Can anyone speak to how these issues are handled in your environments? My thought is that if users wash their hands before using devices consistently and do not set them down, there should be no problem.

Sara

Reference:

Cibulka, N.J. & Crane-Wider, L. (2011). Introducing personal digital assistants to enhance nursing education in undergraduate and graduate nursing program. Journal of Nursing Education, 50 (2), 115-117.

Technology and simulation

So, folks, belatedly I log my first blog posting to SimBlog_TechN-Educ. Recently attended the IMSH sponsored by SSiH. Interesting experience - not used to being in one place with so many people all interested and or 'doing' high fidelity / immersive simulation experiences (and other forms of simulation).

First, let's cover technology and then look at it, briefly, as related to simulation. It is clearly apparent information technology is rapidly moving toward ubiquity (the ultimate transparency). Computers, or at the very least computational 'chips', are pretty much integrated into 'work', 'academia', and 'home', whether via overt forms (aka 'PCs,' smart and non-smart phones, netbooks, laptops, and the list goes on & on - you get the drift). Computer chips are also now transparent in cars, appliances (see refrigerators and washers), house thermostats, and so forth. Truly invisible!

Laptop computers have rapidly transitioned to the preferred form factor for everyday use for a variety of reasons (mobile, powerful, cheap being the leading reasons as I see it). The rapid proliferation of wireless broadband access (see Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Panera, and other such eateries) makes mobility not a hook but an everyday expectation by thousands of road warriors.

So, now that the stage is set (or is it?), what about this sort of technology and its 'place' in high-fidelity / immersive simulation experiences? Well, for one, I see tablets moving into simulations in a variety of functions. I mean tablets along the lines of the iPad versus older iterations (such as the device used by Gaumard simulators). The newer tablets are lighter and easier to work with from a user point of view. Screen is easier to see; better resolution (all things being equal), too. How would tablets work in simulations?

I see these devices fulfilling roles much as in reality; viewing electronic records, viewing xray and other procedural video / records, and so forth. The possibility also exists for users to document in the health record during the simulation, too. I firmly believe the technology is now available for this as off-the-shelf applications. It is a matter of fitting the pieces together, if-you-will.

Ok, done for now. More later! As always, YMMV!

Scott

Sim Courses: Behling Simulation Center, Buffalo, NY

The Behling Simulation Center at the University at Buffalo is pleased to announce their 2011 dates for simulation methodology courses! Classes are small (8-10 learners each) and provide a mentoring environment. A more detailed description of the course content, tuition, lodging and on-line registration can be found by following this link:

http://ahc.buffalo.edu/simulation/courses.php

or by calling (716) 829-2467.

Note: These courses have not been evaluated by the blog. This is an informational post, not a recommendation. Thank you.