The Many Forms of Simulation Training

SPs are used in a variety of academic settings, such as medical and nursing schools. However, their use is now becoming more common in clinical environments because they add another dimension of reality. However, they also add to the cost. Organizations hiring these educators must screen them carefully and hire only those persons qualified to assume such roles.

Serious gaming
The term "serious gaming" involves the use of video game technology to add another dimension to the learning process. Learners function within specific rules and guidelines while playing interactive computer-based games. These games generally present a complex healthcare situation (e.g., multiple casualties from a terrorist attack arriving at an emergency department) that requires the learner to intervene appropriately.

Although the game format is viewed as a fun way to learn, the games offer deadly serious scenarios. Serious gaming is an increasingly popular training mechanism.

Video and computer games can be developed fairly quickly and can simulate functional entities in various clinical settings. However, they can be expensive to develop and learners must have appropriate training in their use. In addition, they require the availability of adequate equipment for learners.

Desktop simulations and virtual worlds
Desktop simulations and virtual worlds can be run on a desktop computer and only need a screen, mouse, and audio inputs and outputs. The learner can view data, see the patient via animation, perform diagnostic or treatment interventions, and interact with the patient by typing or, in some cases, actually speaking with the patient.

An advanced approach to this type of simulation allows several participants to participate in a virtual world simultaneously. Learners can interact with each other, the patient, and others in this world. A distinct advantage of this type of simulation is the ability to interact with various healthcare team members as well as the patient and family.

Virtual reality and visualization
Virtual reality is a computer-generated world that allows the learner or group of learners to experience various stimuli, often in a 3-D presentation. Learners typically wear head-mounted displays to receive visual and auditory cues. They can interact in the computer-generated world from various sites or be in a physical space in which they can interact with others.

Virtual reality is a rapidly developing field and gives a true sense of realism. However, the creation of a complex virtual patient and treatment setting can be time-consuming and expensive. It requires a complete computer model of the patient environment; a way to track visual, audio, and touch fields; adequate hardware for all sensory modalities; and hardware to compute all models, track inputs, and produce outputs in real time.

References
Holtschneider, M.E. (2009). "Simulation learning modalities: Going beyond sim man!" Concurrent session, NNSDO 2009 convention, July 11, 2009, Philadelphia.

Mt. Hood Community College (2009). "Fidelity simulators." Retrieved October 1, 2009, from www.mhcc.edu/pages/493.asp.

National Nursing Staff Development Organization (2008). "Collaborative efforts across organizations: Building a simulation alliance." Journal for Nurses in Staff Development 24(6): 303–304.