Montefiore Learning NetworkMontefiore Learning Network
MECIS is a state-of-the-art simulation center offering a multi-disciplinary training environment for healthcare professionals at all stages of their careers. Medical simulation is defined as the recreation of real life experiences using a combination of task training, patient simulation, and virtual reality. Simulation can replicate almost any situation from practicing how to insert an IV needle on a task trainer to complicated birthing procedures using high fidelity manikins and virtual reality. This environment immerses the learner and provides them with immediate feedback from peers, faculty, and performance metrics integrated into a simulator. This allows the learner to practice in a safe environment improving their procedural skills as well as decision making, communication, and critical thinking. Ultimately our goal is to improve patient outcomes, safety, and experience.
High fidelity simulation uses lifelike manikins in a realistic patient environment to educate our learners. Our manikins can breathe, they have variable heart rates and tones, measurable blood pressure, and palpable pulses. The monitor displays the corresponding EKG rhythm, pulse oximeter, arterial waveforms, pulmonary artery waveforms and anesthetic gases. During a fully immersive medical simulation learners enter into a realistic healthcare setting where a high-fidelity patient manikin is being operated on by both subject matter experts and simulation staff. Feedback is provided from peers, faculty, and performance metrics integrated into simulator.
High fidelity simulation is led by certified educational specialists and simulation technicians. This includes planning the scenario, preparing for the scenario, and facilitating the scenario. A typical experience ranges from 3-4 hours and covers an introduction to simulation, participation in a scenario, and a debrief. A scenario and debrief are typically 1 hour with a 1:3 instructor-to-student ratio
Low fidelity simulation uses static manikins to closely mimic the real experience but leaves out certain factors. Low fidelity simulations leave out elements of real-life experience to varying degrees to aid student learning. Users first grasp smaller concepts which then lead up to an understanding of the whole patient care experience. This form of simulation is particularly useful in situations that require repeated, deliberate practice. This helps with mastering tasks. Typically, the skills are demonstrated, tight coaching, loose coaching, debriefing and expectations set for future. Feedback is provided from peers, faculty, and performance metrics are integrated into simulator.
Low fidelity simulation is led by subject matter experts and certified simulation technicians. This includes planning the scenario, preparing for the scenario, and facilitating the scenario. A typical experience is 2-4 hours, complexity of the skill will determine time. Participants typically either attend a lecture, learn a module and/or read material before practicing the skill.
In-situ simulation takes place in the real-world environment among teams during their regular work schedule with the goal of making the experience as close to reality as possible. The simulation is conducted on the patient care units using equipment and resources from that unit. The simulation uses actual members of the healthcare team. When practicing in an actual work environment, new dimensions of the same skills may appear i.e. trouble connecting a defibrillator pad. Given the time pressures associated with in situsimulation, the debriefing in this setting is by necessity brief and concise.
In-Situ simulation is led by the lead on the unit and a simulation technician. This includes planning the scenario, preparing for the scenario, transportation, and facilitating the scenario. A typical experience is 1-2 hours. High fidelity and/or low fidelity manikins can be used in scenario.
