Simulation fosters safety, better medical care

Published Sept. 21, 2011
By 81st Medical Group
Education and Training Flight

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Medical Group Medical, Touchstone Medical Simulation and Clinical Skills Center provides state-of-the-art education and training, promotes teamwork communication and improved war-time skills through simulation.

Medical simulation coordinator Randy Bernhardt, 81st MDG education and training flight, said, "We promote excellence in clinical care, advanced patient safety initiatives and improved multidisciplinary team performance through the use of high-fidelity human simulation training platforms to improve staff and student communication, clinical skills and critical thinking.

"We recognize that simulation technology is an important tool and believe it is the new standard in medical training," Bernhardt continued. "A competent practitioner requires knowledge, technical and communication skills and the ability to work in an interprofessional environment. To achieve this, we simulate possible critical events in an environment where knowledge growth is the focus."

The Keesler simulation lab consists of two customizable rooms which can emulate medical environments along with a combined skills lab and debriefing room. The rooms contain two-way mirrors so the learners aren't distracted by operators. All simulations can be recorded, allowing for guided reflection. There are five adult, one child and two infant high-fidelity simulators.

"New equipment acquisitions include a cardiac ultrasound simulator with trauma applications; an endoscopic simulation trainer; and a laparoscopic surgical simulator," Bernhardt pointed out. "We've made numerous additions to our static medical trainers that providers can use to gain the skills needed to perform many medical procedures including ultrasoundguided central or peripheral intravenous line placement, chest tube placement or practicing advanced airway management techniques."

The lab is staffed by a coordinator and two full-time operators, along with a multidisciplinary team trained in simulation techniques. A board-certified internal medicine, general surgery physician or general dentist serves as medical director to oversee their respective area for all training. They guide development of scenarios that best challenge graduate medical education students, staff physicians and nursing personnel.

"We hold 'Code Tuesday/Thursday' training for all medical group staff," Bernhardt said. "It incorporates staff, interns, residents and nursing personnel in the management of cardiac arrest or critical clinical situations. This training lasts approximately an hour and gives each student opportunities to open packages, administer medications and electricity or other interventions to manage their 'patient.' This familiarization has proven valuable in real situations."