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OFFICE OF SIMULATION IN MEDICINE AND SURGERY

The Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery (SIMS) became a university-wide office in 2019, renovating and re-opening the Colorado RVU Healthcare Simulation Center in the Fall of 2020. Over 16,000 square feet of space in Colorado campus and over 10,000 square feet in Utah campus is dedicated to hands-on and tele-simulation learning opportunities for all members of the healthcare team. Medical and Physician Assistant students gain experience using task trainers for ultrasonography, vascular access, sterile surgical technique, suturing and operating room etiquette. First Responders practice resuscitation techniques, intubation, hemostasis and advanced skills such as cricothyrotomy. General Surgery Residents hone their skills at emergency airways and trauma laparotomies, while Family Medicine Residents improve their procedural and wound care capabilities. Practicing physicians can refine their minimally invasive Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery techniques. 3-D Virtual Reality modules and hi-fidelity electronic manikins help train critical thinking skills using simulated patients. Numerous simulation events and modalities are being continually updated and incorporated into intra- and extra-curricula of all programs at RVU at both campuses, including Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Special Track Programs, Student Clubs and Organizations, Simulated Mass-Casualty Incidents and Community Outreach Events.

Accreditation

RVU’s Office of Simulation in Medicine and Surgery has the distinction of being recognized as a Comprehensive Accredited Education Institute (AEI) by the American College of Surgeons. It is the first osteopathic medical school to receive this prestigious accreditation. Rigorous reporting metrics are involved in the Annual Compliance Report and Accreditation cycles, overseen by the SIMS Advisory Board.

In the News

Here are the simulation articles from the RVU Blog:

Sample Events

Surgical Skills Week (OMSIII) - By the completion of this one-week course, third year students should demonstrate competency in the basic skills of surgery, understand common clinical conditions which require surgical interventions, and demonstrate knowledge in surgical case presentation.

Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine Week (OMSIII) - Prior to clinical rotations, third year students will complete SIMS & Skills check-offs including PPE protocols, BLS/ACLS certifications, simulated critical care cases, suture and knot tying, and prepping for surgery.

Post-graduate Individualized Simulations- At the direction of the RVU Center for Medical Education Excellence, SIMS staff may provide Residents and practicing physicians individualized experiential learning experiences.

Simulation Modalities

Standardized Patient Encounters (Live Actor)

Specially trained actors portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition. Students can practice performing a competent physical exam, taking a thorough medical history, charting the encounter, and building a rapport with patients.

Standardized Patient Encounters (Virtual)

Virtual patients seeking care will respond in real-time to the medical decisions made by the learner. Students can diagnose and treat patients using a 3D Oculus VR headset or access the 2-D cases on their personal computers remotely.

Electronic Manikins and Task Trainers

Hi-fidelity, computer-based electronic manikins are remotely controlled by an operator to test technical, diagnostic, and interprofessional team skills. Full and partial task trainers are designed for repetitive skills practice such as IV placement, intubation, and laparoscopy. The Cut-suit ™ is a complex task trainer at RVU that mimics actual abdominal surgery.

Ultrasound Machines

Ultrasound machines and bedside ultrasound units enable learners to practice diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical applications as they relate to imaging interventions.

Simulation Technology

Technology

Acquiring and incorporating various levels of technology every year, RVU faculty often teaches surgical technique using a human-worn, partial task surgical simulator known as a “Cut Suit™”. RVU was the first medical school in the country to employ this technology. The Cut Suit is a lifelike, wearable bodysuit that contains battery-operated, blood-filled vessels and organs, producing the accurate look and feel of actual intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic contents. Learners gain realistic surgical experience and confidence. The Cut Suit™ is also used in simulated disaster scenarios and Mass Casualty Incidents, including at an Intensive Surgical Skills Course attended by First Responders and military students and personnel. Numerous interactive electronic mannikins are programmed for Internal Medicine, Obstetric, Pediatric and neonatal case scenarios and simulation competitions. Cadaveric simulations improve training in numerous disciplines. Increasingly, RVU’s 3D printer is utilized for production of anatomical body part facsimiles.

SIM Scholars

Standardized Patient Encounters

Specially trained actors, Standardized Patients, accurately portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition. They provide students with direct human interaction in a safe learning environment. Performing a competent physical exam, taking a thorough medical history, and building a rapport with patients are fundamental clinical skills that all graduates should possess. RVU’s Standardized Patient Program’s primary objective is to ensure that all graduates possess these essential skills. Feedback is given by faculty, staff, as well as the standardized Patient Educators, and is valued by students in their health care education.

Visit the Standardized Patient Encounter Page to learn more.