Anaesthetic simulators: Training for the broader health-care profession

Background: The use of high-fidelity patient simulators for training health -care professionals has increased rapidly in recent years. Approximately 15 0 simulation training centres operate internationally. Australasia has acqu ired four centres since 1997. A large component of simulator-based training is experiential. Methods: participants manage clinical scenarios on lifelike computer-contro lled mannikins within realistic clinical environments. afterwards they acti vely reflect upon the experience, an exercise that is facilitated by observ ation of a video replay of the event. Results: This approach to training promotes a consideration of broader issu es which can influence clinical practice and patient outcomes. This has par ticular relevance to emergencies. Here, events that are by nature infrequen t and unscheduled can be addressed in a controlled fashion, in an environme nt that is supportive and separated from actual patients. Conclusions: A broad range of skills can be addressed with this resource. O f key importance are situational management and team effectiveness skills. Deficiencies with respect to these 'non-clinical' skills are being increasi ngly identified for their contribution to preventable adverse events within the health-care environment. Multidisciplinary operation-room team trainin g has the potential to address these issues as they relate to the periopera tive environment.