The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality outlined guidelines for improving patient safety through simulation.
Here are five insights:
1. The AHRQ cited research from the Institute of Medicine showing simulation programs can reduce medical errors in drug administration, preparation and checklist compliance.
2. Simulations healthcare organizations can adopt include:
● Human patient simulators (mannequins): Models that provide accurate anatomic representation of patients
● Task trainers: Partial body simulators used for training in specific tasks or procedural skills
● Standardized, simulated patients: Real people who are recruited and trained to portray patients in a reliable and consistent manner
● Virtual reality simulators: Graphics or a computer screen used to create patient care environments
● Hybrid simulations: Two or more simulation methods combined
3. Screen-based "medical games" can help surgeons prepare for real-world events. The AHRQ referenced PediatricSim, a 3D single-player, first-person game designed to test a physician's decision-making skills in seven high-risk pediatric scenarios.
4. Augmented reality can also help train physicians in procedural skills. In a study of augmented reality in healthcare 96 papers cited by AHRQ showed AR improved performance accuracy and decreased need in skills training.
5. The AHRQ said there are over 1,200 professionals certified as healthcare simulation educators.
