Clinical simulation is the use of technology, equipment and expertise to create guided experiences that replicate dynamic, complex and unanticipated medical situations. Clinical simulation takes place in a fully interactive manner, enabling learners to practice and learn essential skills in a safe environment.
Situational context
Human performance in healthcare is strongly influenced by the situational context where the interaction between the task, the environment, and the behaviour of team members are taken into consideration. Extensive research shows that superior cognitive and technical skills are not enough to ensure safety: effective teamwork skills are a must.
Interprofessional learning
Previously, clinical training was independent to each practice. Nurses trained with nurses and doctors trained with doctors, even though they practised in multi-disciplinary teams. Now, training replicates practice and simulation centres allow for safe environments using real and relevant scenarios and tools that do not interfere with day-to-day hospital and health care service delivery.
Benefits of simulation learning
- facilitates acquisition, application and consolidation of knowledge
- offers opportunities to practice increasingly complex skills in a safe and supportive environment
- provides an environment to develop and test clinical judgment, and interact with team members
- fosters reflective practice, life long learning and increased culture of safety and team cohesion
CLINICAL SIMULATION AT ISLAND HEALTH
Clinical Simulation is happening all across Island Health, from small rural sites to large tertiary hospitals.
The Island Health Simulation program is based in Victoria, where the largest simulation centre is located - the Centre for Interprofessional Clinical Simulation Learning (CICSL). CICSL is a partnership between Island Health and the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
Island Health Simulation also has rooms and equipment located in Nanaimo, Comox, Campbell River, Port Alberni and Port McNeill. Simulation is happening across the island, in dedicated simulation spaces as well as in the clinical arena (in situ simulation).
Who can use our Simulation spaces?
Our user groups include:
- undergraduate medical students and post-graduate medical residents
- undergraduate midwifery students
- practicing professionals such as doctors and nurses, as well as first responders, respiratory therapists, anesthesiologists and midwives
- health researchers from Island Health and UBC
- other learners may include social workers, public health care workers, child care workers, health information science workers, among others.
We provide in house training for simulation facilitators, and our Clinical Nurse Educators can provide support with simulation program development.
To learn more about simulation, the Island Health Simulation Program or the Centre for Interprofessional Clinical Simulation Learning, please contact us at cicsl@islandhealth.ca.
We look forward to learning with you!