Multidisciplinary Simulation Centers: Promoting Safe Practice

As the impact of medical mistakes and the significance of patient safety become more evident through the work of national agencies such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, health care organizations are searching for innovative techniques to train hospital personnel on providing safe patient care. High-fidelity human patient simulation has gained popularity in the fields of nursing and medical education and for orientation programs that introduce new nurses to critical care. However, creative methods for the application of high-fidelity simulation in the continued professional development and education of experienced nursing personnel, residents, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and doctors remain limited within the hospital setting. This article highlights the significance of simulation in health care and the impact, for members of the health care delivery team, of simulation-based training on decision making, critical thinking skills, teamwork, effective communication, and patient safety.