The use of simulation for education

Simulation exists in many formats including role play, computer software, virtual labs and task training manikins (Scherer et al 2003). Simulation is becoming recognised as an education strategy to improve the clinical skills and reasoning of practitioners and students. Many health care organisations and universities continue to explore different options in simulation with an ain to achieve maximum impact on the teaching and learning process whilst also considering financial cost. A unique form of simulation, which has been pioneered and implemented at CQUniversity, is that of high fidelity latex patient simulation. This method of simulation uses life-like but commercially prepared latex masks adorned over the body of the educator to mimic human patient situations and responses. This paper will include a presentation about the background of this form of simulation and showcase it in action. The audience will have the opportunity to engage with the educator, masked as the patient, so as to undertake a component of a wound assessment. Included in the presentation will be an evaluation of high fidelity latex patient simulation as reported by learners who have been exposed to this medium. Data suggests that learners are able to engage, practice skill as if the patient was real, receive feedback and react to unpredictable responses. Learning has been reported as overwhelmingly fun. The final part of this paper will outline the future directions of this form of simulation in health care education. Reference: Scherer, YK et al (2003), 'Acute Care Nurse Practitioner education enhancing performance through the use of clinical simulation', AACN Clinical Issues, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 331-341.