ANESTHESIA SIMULATORS AND TRAINING DEVICE S

Simulators and training devices are used extensively by educators in ' high-tech' occupations, especially those requiring an understanding of complex systems and co-ordinated psychomotor skills. Because of advan ces in computer technology, anaesthetised patients can now be realisti cally simulated. This paper describes several training devices and a s imulator currently being employed in the training of anaesthesia perso nnel at the University of Florida. This Gainesville Anesthesia Simulat or (GAS) comprises a patient mannequin, anaesthesia gas machine, and a full set of normally operating monitoring instruments. The patient ca n spontaneously breathe, has audible heart and breath sounds, and palp able pulses. The mannequin contains a sophisticated lung model that co nsumes and eliminates gas according to physiological principles. Inter connected computers controlling the physical signs of the mannequin en able the presentation of a multitude of clinical signs. In addition, t he anaesthesia machine, which is functionally intact, has hidden fault activators to challenge the user to correct equipment malfunctions. C oncealed sensors monitor the users' actions and responses. A robust da ta acquisition and control system and a user-friendly scripting langua ge for programming simulation scenarios are key features of GAS and ma ke this system applicable for the training of both the beginning resid ent and the experienced practitioner. GAS enhances clinical education in anaesthesia by providing a non-threatening environment that fosters learning by doing. Exercises with the simulator are supported by sess ions on a number of training devices. These present theoretical and pr actical interactive courses on the anaesthesia machine and on monitors . An extensive system, for example, introduces the student to the phys ics and clinical application of transoesophageal echocardiography. At the University of Florida the simulator system is in use for the educt ion of anaesthesia residents. Tests have shown that the system acceler ates learning.