Just as airline pilots learn to fly a plane using a simulated cockpit, doctors can learn many of the skills they need on a range of hi-tech simulators. Rotherham doctors and nurses in training get the opportunity to deal with crisis situations in a controlled environment to help to further develop their communication and management skills. Medical simulation uses sophisticated lifelike human manikins in simulated ward or operating theatre settings and gives students the opportunity to rehearse the management of rare or serious clinical events to further improve patient safety and care.
Clinical Educator and Simulation Lead, Jennie Swift said; “We want to continue to provide good patient safety and a high quality of care at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust by implementing human factors and simulation factors training. Through the simulation scenario and a reflective debrief we can explore any issues and factors that have arisen. Often it is finding out about how we assess patients, how we make even better clinical decisions and allocate tasks, who emerges as the team leader, and how we communicate in a team and convey information to all members of the multidisciplinary team."
Jennie continued: “Simulation is invaluable; it increases nontechnical and technical skill development, allows for practice to be performed in a controlled environment, and it provides the opportunity to rehearse the management of rare or serious clinical events.”
Human manikins
The lifelike human manikins are being transported out into our community localities to provide training for TRFT staff and students, within their own working environments. This is referred to as ‘Insitu Simulation’, which aims to improve the simulation experience by allowing users to train within their already familiar environments and using their own equipment. It is hoped that this approach quickly enables them to immerse themselves in the simulation experience; with an ultimate aim to further improve the quality of patient care.
Staff at TRFT services, Breathing Space and the Community Hospital, will be some of the first to experience ‘Insitu Simulation’ as training sessions with the ‘METIman’ manikin are going to be taking place there shortly. Jennie commented “We are very excited about ‘Insitu Simulation’; it is something that sets us apart from a lot of other simulation centres in the country.
In view of that, we want to take the opportunity to advise our public not to be surprised if they see us and our manikins outside, as people are likely to see us transporting the mannequins to our various sites which may be by transporting them on a trolley within the hospital site or with support from St John’s ambulance who are working with us to take the manikin’s to various community areas.”
Simulation Mom
In addition to adopting this new innovative approach, the Simulation Suite are soon going to be receiving ‘SIM MOM’ training which will allow Midwives, Obstetricians and Anaesthetists to be trained to use simulation to replicate a wide range of prenatal or postnatal conditions alongside the delivery of a baby. Through the practising of associated skills and drills; this simulation training aims to further improve the quality of mother and new-born baby care, and support the prevention of obstetric complications.
“Simulation Mom is a very exciting opportunity for us here at the Trust” Jennie commented. “Despite having the best planning and care available, sometimes there can be complications for a mum in labour. By using simulation to help to further prepare for the possibility of this, it gives students a chance to practise coping with challenging clinical situations without actually experiencing this for real. This way they can continue to develop their skills and be better placed if the time comes for them to need those skills
Behind the scenes at the Simulation Suite
Click here to see a video of behind the scenes of The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust's Medical Education Centre's Simulation Suite.
Contact information
For more information on the Simulation Facility please email jennie.swift@rothgen.nhs.uk
