Simulation as a technique to impart effective learning has been used in different fields for a long time. Aviation is one industry that primarily uses simulation for training pilots. Imitation cockpits in which pilots take the training are designed to imitate reality by creating all the motions and visuals, which help them gain the experience of flying before flying an actual aircraft. Healthcare is another industry that has significantly benefited from simulation as a learning tool. Although many institutions in the developed parts of the world have implemented simulation for teaching and training medical professionals, the technique is still gaining ground rapidly in the industry and has immense potential to revolutionize healthcare training.
Patient care is a critical and demanding job; it requires extensive training and precise application of knowledge to understand human anatomy, illnesses, and how to manage them. A lot of turnover is reported among nurses due to the sapping nature of the job and inadequate training. Apart from the theoretical knowledge, a significant part of the training requires hands-on experience in managing illnesses, and this is done through clinical placements. Simulation as a tool for training augments the training and helps doctors and nurses in learning better patient care, resulting in decreased casualties.
Manikins
Simulation using manikins is a high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in which students authentically learn their skills. This interactive form of learning increases the confidence of nurses and doctors in their initial days of handling emergencies, giving them a strong footing in the processes and concepts. Medical manikins can imitate anatomical conditions and abnormalities of bodily functions and give the students a direct experience of real-life scenarios. Manikins also provide an interactive experience by using skills students have acquired so far through theory and practice, which helps them reinforce the learning.
Simulation allows the creation of conditions and applying the skills to tackle them; it also allows the students a high degree of responsibility in conditions that could be life-threatening, without putting the lives of patients at risk. Critical thinking and clinical judgement are improved, which results in effective functioning in real-life clinical settings. This experience equips and emboldens the students to handle an emergency situation, which results in a more positive outcome.
Tracking the Training
The training conducted on manikins can be administered and tracked for analysis on a learning platform that integrates with the firmware of the manikin. mon’k, a flagship online learning management system of Impelsys, has been used by some of the world’s largest healthcare professional associations as a platform to manage training on manikins. The platform gives a broad analysis of students’ activities on the manikin, tracks their progress and skill proficiency, and provides feedback to individual trainees. The platform also allows the training administration to certify the students upon completing the training.
Nurse training with simulation programmes has been widely successful; medical institutions that have implemented the technique have reported improved patient care, which is a direct result of nurses’ better understanding of the concepts and increased skill level. For simulation to be effective, students need prior preparation and a sufficient amount of time to get acquainted with the environment. Trainers need to prepare the students by ensuring that they have understood the system and anticipate all the events.
Simulations are also extremely helpful in skill training for practicing nurses; they help in refining and revising the concepts and skills through interactive engagement, which reinforces the learning. The method also helps facilitate collaboration, communication, and teamwork when productivity and professionalism are not at a satisfactory level. The widely accepted efficacy and benefits of simulation training in healthcare also encompass the psychological and social maturity of professionals beyond cognitive and skill-building abilities. With systematic implementation in training programmes, simulation as a technique improves training outcomes with increased efficiency and decreased turnover.
