News and briefs: Simulation center no game for medical staff members

Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Interdisciplinary Simulation Center puts medical staff members in real rooms, with real tools and real emergency situations. The only thing that is not real is the patient. According to an article on the Salisbury, PA, Patch website, the Pennsylvania-based hospital uses actors and mannequins to play the role of sick patient. The actors describe their symptoms and share their complaints with the nurses and physicians involved in their care. Although the mannequins are unable to talk, they have pulses and pupillary responses. Lab work and tests can be performed on the mannequins.

The simulation center helps physicians, new nurses, medical students, and support staff practice real-life emergencies. “It gives them a better opportunity to practice in a safe environment rather than an emergency situation,” says Lee Giovarelli, simulation coordinator.