The use of simulation in education is gaining great momentum in the medical and health sciences field. Simulation has a recognized history in fields from aviation to real-time processes like hydro-electrical and nuclear power plants. In the past few decade simulation has become more integrated into the education curriculum and is now being supported by medical and educational institutions and by state and national boards. Recently, the Florida board of Nursing, has approved that up to 50% simulation can be effectively substituted for traditional clinical experience(s).
As simulation was evolving in multiple countries and universities, Miami-Dade College (MDC) – Medical Campus was an early adopter of simulators more than 20 years ago. The college has been using state-of-the-art high fidelity simulators to validate knowledge, skills and attitudes of students that provide services in local hospitals and clinics and to better prepare students as future healthcare professionals. The college has successfully provided a high caliber level of competency based education that has produced many of the healthcare professionals in Miami-Dade County.
As a simulation center of excellence, MDC-Medical Campus has developed a robust simulation program that supports multiple professions such as Nursing, Paramedic, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy Assistants, and Physician Assistants, to name a few. The Clinical Simulation Lab (CSL) currently has more than 24-high-fidelity patient simulators. As an important component of training, pre-briefing and de-briefing experiences are provided to students. During simulations students are provided with the necessary real-world medical equipment such as ventilators, IV pumps, feeding pumps, monitors and more that are used in local hospitals and clinics. The provision of education and appropriate equipment is necessary for a well-rounded competency-based education that promotes an inter-professional model of safe day-to-day healthcare delivery.
The CSL works in collaboration with our MDC faculty and local health care partners to incorporate the best evidence-based scenarios that will prepare our students to meet the needs of our community and healthcare system. MDC-Medical offers students open lab hours where they can practice with tutors from basic to complex skills as well as incorporate critical thinking and decision- making through complex patient scenarios without jeopardizing patient safety. Students have the CSL as a resource that can be used as clinical time or for simply practice.
Simulation scenarios can vary from a simple outpatient setting to a multi-trauma and difficult patient scenario. Patient simulation offers a unique experience that allows students to analyze and reflect on their own actions and/or the team’s performance. Furthermore, clinical simulation allows students to evaluate their clinical and reasoning skills utilized through simulation as an active learning experience. The MDC CSL promotes patient safety awareness thus reducing the possibility of errors and increasing the potential for quality and safe patient care.
In an effort to respond to increasing demand and position itself as a leading community-based simulation trainer, MDC-Medical Campus will soon be breaking ground on a state-of-the art simulation and training facility. To respond effectively to an increased use of virtual and 3-D simulation, this state-of-the-art facility will be pivotal as an innovative educational setting where technology, medical knowledge, and patient safety converge and continues to prepare future health care professionals for the well-being of the Miami-Dade County community (and beyond).
