Residents are often responsible for performing resuscitations during codes; however, student’s levels of proficiency and capabilities differ. To be effective, residents needs to practice simulation and perform return demonstration in an effective and conducive to learning setting.
We describe the design and implementation of simulation in Residency Program as an introductory curriculum targeted at improving residents’ readiness for being leaders of ACLS teams using human patient simulation. Human patient simulation refers to technologies using mannequins with realistic features, which allows learners to practice through scenarios without putting patients at risk. (1-6). Clinical simulation …show more content…
allows learning and training of a student and teams by way of re-creation of a real clinical situation, and is becoming a strong tool for teaching and evaluation (6-8). Case scenarios and assessment tools are likewise being provided.
Resuscitative Training Program
Our simulation-based curriculum consists of several simulated patient scenarios during 1-hour sessions. Assessment tools are used only for formative evaluation. Examination is used as a teaching approach to facilitate learning and improve performance. To evaluate the curriculum and students’ competency, an examination is given before and after the simulation. The exam is consisted of several questions that address residents’ confidence in leading and performing ACLS teams, management of the equipment, and knowledge of the ACLS algorithms.
UOD Program Description
The objective of the program is to train medical residents as effective players and leaders of cardiovascular resuscitation teams.
Established on evidence from the literature 9-14, we presumed that the use of human patient simulation would benefit medical residents in improving performances and gaining confidence, skills, and manners to be effective performers and leaders of ACLS teams.
The King Fahd University Hospital is a 600-bed, University of Dammam-affiliated hospital in KSA. All medical residents have to complete the AHA ACLS course prior to starting their training. The simulation-based training is done in the simulation center, using mannequins manufactured by Medical Education Technologies, Inc. (Sarasota, FL). The simulation center is located in the building 500 and has simulation laboratories and classrooms with audiovisual capabilities. The simulator is a full-sized mannequin with an anatomically correct airway, which can be managed using a bag valve mask or endotracheal tube. The mannequin breathes spontaneously, and has breath sounds, heart sounds, and a pulse; it can be connected to a cardiac monitor, defibrillated, or paced. All cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic parameters can be manipulated by the simulation instructor. The simulator is easy to operate and can be placed in a realistic physical setting. The cases utilized for training are preprogrammed by the simulation instructor, but can be modified as needed during the actual simulated
case.
Conclusion
Application of a structured, formal program can increase residents’ self-confidence in being effective life support giver and leaders of ACLS teams. Constant practice provides learners with the opportunity and skills to improve their behaviors as resuscitationist. Simulation is an essential part of postgraduate medical education, with literature supporting its value. In this time of patient safety awareness and quality improvement, residents should have the opportunity to gain and apply new knowledge without risk to any patient.