Simulation Suite
The recently opened £120,000 centre is designed to look and feel like a typical patient bay, complete with hi-fidelity manikins (adult and paediatric) that can be used to stage any medical scenario for training and better understanding.
The simulation suite can be used for all levels of clinical
staff from HCAs to consultants allowing them to come and practice
skills and management of patients. The environment, mannequin and
patient scenario can be altered to different levels of complexity
depending on the staff group involved.
Just as it is in actual health care, it is the patient that
remains the focus of attention. In this case it is a mannequin,
known as 'Hal', and all his physiological parameters such as heart
and breathing rate, lung sounds and even his blink rate can be
altered to realistically mimic any medical situation.
Staff are able to speak on behalf of the mannequin meaning they
are therefore able to inform the clinician what the "patient"
problems are, such as if they have chest pain and responding to
their questions. All this makes it extremely realistic and allows
staff to behave as they would in the clinical situation which makes
the possibilities for training endless.
A typical session
There is a two way mirror which allows the controller to watch
the scenario and respond appropriately to ensure the situation
remains relevant and realistic.
Each session is recorded so colleagues can watch the scenario as
it unfolds on a TV screen in an adjacent room. Just like Big
Brother people forget being filmed very quickly. They behave like
they behave in clinical practice; it's a very powerful way of
learning.
At the end of the session the group can discuss what happened in
the simulation suite with one of the trained facilitators, showing
it's not about learning for one or two people but very much about
learning for a whole group. It is about managing the whole patient,
not just about learning clinical skills. Simulations build in
non-technical skills, such as communication, team work, leadership,
all of which make a big difference to patient outcome and patient
experience.
Acute Life Support Course
The Resuscitation Council (UK) Advanced Life Support (ALS)
course is a standardised national course teaching evidence-based
resuscitation guidelines and skills to healthcare professionals in
the United Kingdom.
- Includes core lectures and interactive workshops
- Has been adopted by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC)
and the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC).
- The face-to-face teaching is mainly delivered in small groups
with hands-on practical skill stations and clinically-based
simulations.
- Designed to develop team and communication skills using the
resuscitation skills and knowledge acquired during the
course.
Hospital Acute Assessment and Response Training (HAART)
- Mandatory for Foundation Doctors
- Several critical event scenarios with extensive debriefing
& workshops, led by a very experienced faculty.
- Full day in the new simulation suite on the 2nd floor at
Southend Hospital Education Centre.
Free to attend for F1/F2 doctors based at Southend Hospital.