In July of 2002,
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and the Department of
Anesthesiology launched the Human Simulation Project. We have
devised a state of the art facility in which medical students,
residents and faculty are exposed to the concepts of human
simulation. Human simulation has been in development over the
years and has recently reached new heights of sophistication.
The system utilized at Loyola University Medical Center/Stritch
School of Medicine was developed by METI (Medical Education
Technologies, Inc.) and includes a full-size human simulator capable
of uniquely integrated physiology and pharmacology protocols.
Currently educational
programs focus on understanding basic human physiology and
pharmacology, crisis resource management, and teaching of advanced
skills such as airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, and
cardiac life support. In addition, it is possible to perform
slightly more invasive procedures such as chest tube placement and
pericardiocentesis. An impressive audiovisual center has also
been established to record simulated events and help with the
educational process.
Some examples of
the system's utilization include:
- Incorporation of the simulator into the
Physiology course at Stritch School of Medicine
- Objective Structured Clinical
Examinations (OSCE) for the Anesthesiology 401 course
- Departmental difficult airway and
fiberoptic workshops
- Crisis Resource Management Courses for
senior anesthesia residents (under development)
- Part of the first month of anesthesia
training -- airway skills management and knowledge base testing
- Programs for the Emergency Medicine and
Trauma Surgery Service Lines.
Needless to say, there is more to
come and many exciting projects in the works.
