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FIGURE 2: Dental simulation lab.
FIGURE 1: Nursing students with high fidelity
simulation manikin.
Simulation devices run the range of technology from low
fidelity (realism) to high fidelity (Figure 1). Readers may
have used a medical simulator if they have used Resusci
Anne to learn mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest
compressions in a first aid class. This low fidelity simulation
device has been used since the 1960s as a tool to train
medical professionals and is still used today.
Simulation can involve simple task trainers, artificial
high fidelity manikins or even humans (standardized
patients). Simulators have been developed for training
procedures ranging from the basics, such as blood draw,
to the more complex including surgery, maternal, infant
and trauma care. Simulations can focus on skills needed
by those hoping to work in the dental or eye care field
or any number of specialties (Figure 2).
In nursing schools, simulating entire hospital floors
is becoming more common—from patient rooms to nurse
stations, pharmacies to emergency rooms. Simulating
a whole hospital floor demands the need for additional
spaces, such as the ambulance entrance and additional
code blue and nurse call systems. The addition of other
simulated systems impacts the design of the control
room as well.