FIGURE 4: Standardized patient suite.
68 I ICT TODAY
High fidelity simulators usually involve two computers
connected to a life-size manikin that provides varying
biological-like responses to medical treatments. These
manikins recreate specific medical conditions, often with
intervention from instructors located in a control room;
the operator speaks through the manikin to provide
needed information for the experience (Figure 3).
Surgical trainers and some task trainers also connect
to computers.
Standardized patient simulations use human actors
that have been prepared to act out a specific set of symptoms.
The actors are made up to exhibit the condition
they will portray. They typically have watched a video
prior to arriving at the simulation center. Before beginning
the simulation, they participate in an orientation
meeting which generally occurs in a patient lounge.
Video capability is usually required here; it is also common
to have informational displays or kiosks to aid in
providing scheduling and location information in this
area (Figure 4).
Since the actors must remain isolated from the
learners, standardized patient lounges generally have
dedicated entrances from the building exterior, separate
corridors (monitored by cameras and having announcement
capabilities), separate locker rooms, restroom facilities
and even separate doors into the examination rooms.
Isolation of the patients from the students begins at the
entrance to the building which remains controlled, often
allowing entry through the use of a video intercom.
FIGURE 3: Infant simulation lab.