Teaching

Teaching through simulation is an educational technique using realistic clinical scenarios to train healthcare professionals. This approach provides a safe and controlled environment for learning, where mistakes can be made without risking patient safety.

Here's an overview of key aspects:

Undergraduate teaching

The Clinical Skills Centre plays a crucial role in the practical training of undergraduate MBChB students. The centre provides a structured program throughout the course of study, ensuring students gain and hone essential clinical skills in a safe, controlled environment.

This systematic approach allows for the gradual development of competencies, beginning with fundamental tasks and advancing to more complex clinical scenarios.

Here's an overview of the different methods used to teach these skills:

Mannequin-based simulations

High-fidelity mannequins are employed to simulate human physiological responses. These mannequins are instrumental in practising life-saving procedures such as:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Assessment of an unwell patient

These simulations provide realistic practice opportunities without the risk of harm to real patients.

Standardised patients

Actors, known as "standardised patients", are trained to display symptoms and conditions realistically. They enable students to practise:

• Basic communication skills
• Information giving
• Treatment planning

This method helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, particularly in patient interaction and communication.

Task trainers

Task trainers are devices that replicate specific body parts or systems, allowing for focused practice of particular skills. Examples include:

• Intravenous cannulation
• Venepuncture
• Arterial blood gas sampling

These trainers ensure that students can perform these procedures accurately and confidently.

Virtual reality (VR)

Immersive technologies like VR create realistic, interactive environments for practicing a broad range of medical scenarios.

Low-fidelity simulation

Low-fidelity simulations (LFS) utilise simplified, cost-effective, and often less realistic tools or scenarios to replicate real-life situations. This approach is especially useful for teaching non-technical skills such as:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Decision-making
• Situational awareness.

LFS helps students develop essential soft skills necessary for effective clinical practice.

High-fidelity simulation

High-fidelity immersive sessions build upon all the clinical skills taught throughout the curriculum, particularly the ABCDE approach, and many clinical communication and procedural skills. 

Our aim is to support and facilitate the enhancement of these skills, allowing you to practice in a safe, supported, simulated environment.

Practical applications

Transferring skills from the simulated environment to clinical practice is crucial. Students are encouraged to practise their learned skills in real clinical settings as much as possible. This hands-on experience is invaluable, reinforcing their training and ensuring they are well-prepared for actual patient care.

By utilising a combination of these educational methods,  we ensure students are thoroughly prepared to handle a wide range of clinical scenarios with confidence and competence.