Multimodal Simulations

I learned this fascinating multimodal concept called Simulation. Simulation basically refers to an artificial representation to a real-world process. But in fields such as computer programming, aviation and nursing, for example, simulation has come to mean activities that utilizes simulation aides to replicate scenarios. Simulation has gained increasing popularity over the past several years. While simulation in itself is not a new concept, in its automated state, simulation has opened up new channels of learning, especially in advanced fields where highly technical skills are required. Two case studies demonstrate interesting examples of simulation in use.

In research conducted by Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, conducted in response to the rising of the number of patient deaths associated with inadequate training, they conclude that, while expensive, more simulation aides were needed in training environments. Aides such as the one demonstrated in the video below (not associated with this study nor this University), is an excellent example of the type of simulation aide needed to increase the proficiency of medical personnel.

[Pediatric HAL®: The World's Most Advanced Pediatric Patient Simulator]

 https://youtu.be/zUAYaSVAHv8

In another area of study, researchers were looking for ways to train hospital Researchers more effectively, employing the use of video recorded simulations where Researchers observed how to correctly observe medical staff and patients in the midst of a real-world environment. The task of observation is an extremely challenging task and learning methods for wading through information to extract meaningful data is complicated. But with the use of simulation, Researchers-in-training were better able to extract meaningful data and navigate through extraneous information. Note the Components of their Multimodal training plan:

Multimodal Training Plan

This is a small fraction of the examples where simulation is being used to more effectively train students and ultimately improve job performance.

References

Simulation-based medical teaching and learning

Abdulmohsen H. Al-Elq

J Family Community Med. 2010 Jan-Apr; 17(1): 35–40.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195067/

Pecanac, Kristen E. PhD, RN; Rainbow, Jessica G. BSN, BA, RN; Doherty-King, Barbara PhD, RN; Steege, Linsey M. PhD Use of Simulation in Multimodal Researcher Training for Observational Studies, Simulation in Healthcare: The Journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare: February 2018 - Volume 13 - Issue 1 - p 47-51

doi: 10.1097/SIH.0000000000000264

https://journals.lww.com/simulationinhealthcare/toc/2018/02000