Human Simulation

In July 2002, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and the Department of Anesthesiology launched the Human Simulation Project. We have devised a state of the art facility in which medical students, residents and faculty are exposed to the concepts of human simulation. Human simulation has been in development over the years and has recently reached new heights of sophistication. The system utilized at Loyola University Medical Center/Stritch School of Medicine was developed by METI (Medical Education Technologies, Inc.) and includes a full-size human simulator capable of uniquely integrated physiology and pharmacology protocols.

Currently educational programs focus on understanding basic human physiology and pharmacology, crisis resource management, and teaching of advanced skills such as airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, and cardiac life support. In addition, it is possible to perform slightly more invasive procedures such as chest tube placement and pericardiocentesis. An impressive audiovisual center has also been established to record simulated events and help with the educational process.

Some examples of the system's utilization include:

1. Incorporation of the simulator into the Physiology course at Stritch School of Medicine
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) for the Anesthesiology 401 course
3. Departmental difficult airway and fiber optic workshops
4. Crisis Resource Management Courses for senior anesthesia residents (under development)
5. Part of the first month of anesthesia training -- airway skills management and knowledge base testing
6. Programs for the Emergency Medicine and Trauma Surgery Service Lines.