Title: Distributed, multiplatform high fidelity human-patient simulation environment: a global-range simulation-based medical learning and training network

Authors: Dag K.J.E. Von Lubitz, Howard Levine

Addresses: MedSMART, Ann Arbor, MI 48904, USA and The HH&GA Dow College of Health Professions, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804, USA. ' Digital Realm, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI 48904, USA

Abstract: Simulation offers the most efficient adjunct in education and ||refresher|| training of medical personnel. However, simulation devices and facilities are expensive and the combination of cost, distance from the training centres, and professional constraints prevent medical personnel in rural and remote regions from simulation-based training. We have demonstrated that these barriers can be overcome by the already developed distance simulation methods. However, whenever High Fidelity Patient Simulators are used in a multi-unit training environment (e.g., mass casualties) the problems of simulator incompatibility may introduce major problems in the orchestration and control of the simulated events. The paper discusses problems of international large scale ||just-in-time|| training, and the initial solutions to simulation-based preparation of medical personnel using multiple simulators simulator sites separated by ultra-long distances.

Keywords: disaster medicine; distance learning; distributed simulation; EMS; emergency medical services; first responders; high fidelity patient simulators; internet; medical education; medical readiness; medical simulation; medical training; medical learning; healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2005.006993

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2005 Vol.6 No.4/5/6, pp.500 - 528

Published online: 02 May 2005 *

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