Penn State’s 10,000 square foot space is equipped with life-sized, fully articulated mannequin to give nursing, medical and other health care students hands-on training. The artificial patients include two adult and one child-sized human patient simulators . A birthing simulator models a pregnant mother and child. A newborn simulator, catheter training stations and endoscopy trainers are also provided.
“Many centers serve one or a couple of types of healthcare providers; our center serves all different healthcare providers, allowing us to easily provide training and practice for mixed groups, says medical director Dr. Elizabeth Sinz.
Not all the centers materials are high tech. Suturing pigs feet, for example, provides a realistic substitute for human skin. But the complex, fully-functional mannequins were developed at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars, notes Sinz. And, like humans, they occasionally break down. Maintenance can be expensive and wear and tear occur when the devices are used frequently, as ours are, she says.
The center will allow trainees to insert intravenous lines, perform laparoscopic surgery, and other procedures. The simulation center also provides 10 model clinic rooms for Hershey’s Standardized Patient Program, in which actors and volunteers portray patients interacting with med students.
In addition to nursing and medical students, pharmacists, other providers, and patient families are expected to use the center.
Source: Elizabeth Sinz, M.D., Clinical Simulation Center
Writer: Chris OToole