Excellent suggestions and feedback from key stakeholders provided the foundation for the development of a simulation strategic plan for the School of Health Sciences. This proposed plan was constructed in spring 2009 and will act as a living document that will evolve with continuous feedback and direction from YOU! The four pillars of activity that drive the strategies and objectives include the following:
- A. Build Capacity and Access for Clinical Simulation.
- B. Promote Intelligent Use of Simulation Application.
- C. Develop Strategic Partnerships.
- D. Advocate Applied Research in Simulation.
Meet the SIM Integration Team
The School of Health Sciences received additional funding from internal resources to support the development of a Simulation Integration Team. The team consists of eight faculty representatives from every program or cluster within the School of Health Sciences. The primary purpose for this team is to provide leadership in the introduction, enhancement, and integration of realistic, scenario-based simulation to enhance experiential learning in all Health Science programs. Three primary simulation modalities will be used to accomplish this goal: 1) standardized patients, 2) mannequin-based simulators, and 3) computer-based simulations. The working group will move simulation forward in a unified and efficient manner, finding synergy in a team approach. For more information regarding the team and some of their specific goals and expected outcomes for this year, please review the latest draft of their charter.
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Norbert Werner - Associate Chair, Clinical Simulation |  |
Jan Morter - MLT, Diagnostic Laboratory Programs |
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Dr. Jenifer Parks - Associate Chair, Animal Health Technology |  |
Kerri Oshust - Instructor, MRI Program |
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Michael Weiss - Denturists, Dental Health Sciences |  |
Kenneth Riess - Instructor, Personal Fitness Trainer Program |
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Martie Grant - Instructor, Diagnostic Medical Sonography |  |
Lisa Torres - Instructor, Paramedic Program |
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Sean Easton - Instructor, Respitory Therapy |
Future plans for the Center of Applied Technologies (CAT) Simulation Center
Thanks to all of you who participated in a planning discussion specific to the future needs for EACH of your programs within the proposed, inter-disciplinary Simulation Center. The planning for the Center of Applied Technologies (CAT) building is well on its way and the feedback received specific to the Simulation Center will ensure that it is a state-of-the-art, inter-disciplinary Center for enhancing experiential learning in Health Science students, and beyond. The Simulation Integration Team will continue to provide input and direction, along with expert consultation, to the CAT steering committee this upcoming year. Be prepared to provide feedback when approached by the team.
Interim Simulation Center on Hold: The concept of an interim SIM Center at NAIT has been discussed at various levels, however, the concept has been put "on hold" to allow for greater focus and priority to be placed on the planning of the CAT Building.
Applied Research and Simulation
One of the pillars of activity for clinical simulation is to Advocate Applied Research in Health Care Simulation, building on the evidence-based practice of this type of educational methodology and technique. Increasing the reliability and validity in simulation-related teaching and learning will be emphasized in future applied research activities. If you are interested in applied research and simulation, please contact any of the SIM team members, Norbert Werner, or the Health Sciences Leadership Team. Several resources are available, including novaNAIT to help you get started.
Want to learn more about simulation?
The McNally Library has just completed their search of the most recent literature available on simulation-based teaching and learning. The library has ordered and received many of the selections, which are available for sign-out. If you're looking for more information and a greater understanding of the world of simulation, take a quick look at the resources available from our library.
Tell us your thoughts
Clinical simulation will not succeed without continuous input and direction provided by key stakeholders such as yourself. If you have any questions or suggestions to further the enhancement of simulation-based education in our School, please speak with your SIM team representative or contact Norbert Werner, Associate Chair of Clinical Simulation at 780-378-5368 or by email, norbertw@nait.ca.