MetroHealth launches Simulation Center to train healthcare providers
Center includes state-of-the-art equipment and latest techniques

Mr. Miller lies on the bed, unable to move but able to explain to the medical staff surrounding him that he has severe chest pains.

The staff asks him the usual questions:

• Are you taking any medications?
• Do you have a history of heart problems?

Mr. Miller responds: He appears to be having some trouble breathing and is sweating profusely. The staff must act quickly to help him.

Mr. Miller is one of three high-tech, life-size mannequins now housed in the new MetroHealth Simulation Center, which was designed to teach healthcare providers how to handle the toughest cases and learn about new techniques.

“The Simulation Center provides the latest in simulation methods to allow all disciplines to practice their craft in a realistic setting, before applying what they learn to real patients,” said Dr. Thomas Noeller, Director of the MetroHealth Simulation Center.

In addition to the three adult mannequins, the nearly 3,000-square-foot center has one mannequin the size of a 1-yr-old baby, and two the size of full-term newborns.

An array of other simulators help trainees practice laparoscopic surgery, central line insertion, spinal taps, airway management and other critical procedures. The use of several ultrasound machines, in conjunction with many of these procedures, teaches the best, safest methods to treat patients.

Trainees can even practice delivering babies.

A control room that overlooks the simulated hospital setting allows Dr. Noeller and the Simulation Center Manager, Jackelyn Csank, to remotely control symptoms and reactions to treatments in the mannequins.

Participants speak to and treat the mannequins as if they were real patients — asking questions, examining the patient, performing procedures and working together as a team to deliver life-saving care.

After the simulation procedure is over, specially trained instructors go into the hospital room and immediately play back video of the scenario. They debrief the trainees on their choices and the mannequin’s reactions.

“Watching their own actions on screen is a great tool to help people see what they did well and how they can improve,” Dr. Noeller said. “It’s the best, most effective way to learn.”

At $450,000, MetroHealth built the Simulation Center and incorporated state-of-the-art best practices at a fraction of the cost of other simulation centers. Many departments at MetroHealth donated money and equipment from their own budgets while grants covered the remainder of the cost.

“This has been a team effort from day one,” said Dr. Noeller. “It’s a wonderful resource that will benefit our providers and our patients for years to come.”