Heartbeat: Creating a safe, risk free environment for learning
August 21, 2019
The brand new Simulation Training Centre (STC) at City Hospital opened earlier this year and the team are eager to highlight what is available at this unique and exciting facility.
The old simulation centre was a dated room which became an unworkable space, particularly uncomfortable to work in during the summer months with rising temperatures and various maintenance issues. After the hospital estates team looked at ways of improving the area, it was decided that the best and most cost effective option was to refurbish a completely new space.
Funding was secured with agreement from the Trust Board and a fantastic new centre was created. What makes the STC unique is that it is very interchangeable as a clinical space, it can be made to look like many different ward based areas. The space can be made into a ward, a theatre, a resuscitation area, and even a GP surgery.
The STC also includes a space purely for communication skills, something which very few simulation centres around the country are able to offer. This provides the opportunity to use actors or “plants” to simulate difficult conversations, such as breaking bad news, in a controlled and safe environment.
The scope for the use of simulations is wide ranging, from training to re-enacting clinical incidents, testing protocols and guidelines, whatever is required for the learning of the team.
Joe Weston -Price started at the Trust last year in his role as simulation fellow, a yearlong employment as a doctor who is involved in simulation education for all members of staff.
He said: “I am able to meet up with colleagues who feel that simulation is something that could benefit them. We can then discuss their ideas and concerns to see how we can work together to put that into a simulation. The process is very collaborative with the simulation (sim) team deciding with staff what learning they are hoping to gain and a plan being built around how the training is going to be delivered.”
Part of the process includes a debrief, discussing as a team how the sim went, delivering a shared learning experience with both the candidates and the faculty who are training. Joe is able to take the lead and facilitate a discussion on non-clinical skills such as team work, communication, and leadership. Together the candidates and learners are able to look at the ways humans behave in pressurised situations and how we can reflect, learn and improve.
Max Newbould has recently started in his new role as apprentice simulation technician and is responsible for the smooth running of the technical equipment needed to support simulation education.
Max is on hand to offer technical support whether that is the use of the state of the art manikins, cameras and live recording or maybe setting up a more simple session with an actor or a “resus Annie” on a hospital trolley.
The team are keen to highlight that the STC has potential benefits for all members of staff. Colleagues in non-clinical roles are encouraged to explore ways of using the space for their training needs.
For example there is plenty of opportunity for staff who work in admin to practice their communication skills if needed. The security team can test out difficult scenarios such as dealing with patients with mental health issues or angry relatives, in a safe space. Portering teams may want to test procedures for moving critically ill patients or new protocols and systems in a comfortable environment.
Everyone is welcome to use the space. Those interested should email Max Newbould at max.Newbould@nhs.net