Improving Patient Safety through Simulation Training in Anesthesiology: Where Are We?

Abstract

There have been colossal technological advances in the use of simulation in anesthesiology in the past 2 decades. Over the years, the use of simulation has gone from low fidelity to high fidelity models that mimic human responses in a startlingly realistic manner, extremely life-like mannequin that breathes, generates E.K.G, and has pulses, heart sounds, and an airway that can be programmed for different degrees of obstruction. Simulation in anesthesiology is no longer a research fascination but an integral part of resident education and one of ACGME requirements for resident graduation. Simulation training has been objectively shown to increase the skill-set of anesthesiologists. Anesthesiology is leading the movement in patient safety. It is rational to assume a relationship between simulation training and patient safety. Nevertheless there has not been a demonstrable improvement in patient outcomes with simulation training. Larger prospective studies that evaluate the improvement in patient outcomes are needed to justify the integration of simulation training in resident education but ample number of studies in the past 5 years do show a definite benefit of using simulation in anesthesiology training. This paper gives a brief overview of the history and evolution of use of simulation in anesthesiology and highlights some of the more recent studies that have advanced simulation-based training.

Anaesthetizing children—From a nurse anaesthetist's perspective—A qualitative study

“…One way to do this is to develop preparation programmes and implement them systematically (Holaday & Bar-Mor, 1997). The teams also need time to debrief and to train in administering child anaesthesia in safe surroundings such as simulations (Green, Tariq, & Green, 2016), to ensure safe and optimal care.…”

Medical simulation – innovation in nursing education

“…An innovative approach to education and the need to improve curricula suggest that more frequent use of simulation in education can lead to improved knowledge, self-confidence, and practical skills of nursing students, without exposing patients to unnecessary risk. In order to achieve specific learning outcomes, many simulation methods are used, from technical skills to communication and teamwork skills [8]. Simulation is an effective method to train role-change skills in an interdisciplinary team, and also to train and improve communication skills prior to working in the healthcare sector [9].…”

Promoting anaesthesia providers' non-technical skills through the Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) course in a low-resource setting

“…37 The cost of simulation training often limits delivery in lowresource settings. 38 This study presents a 'proof of theory' that non-technical skills can be improved in anaesthesia providers using low-cost simulation in low-resource settings. The precise elements of effective debriefing after simulation-based non-technical skills training remain unknown.…”