Working in healthcare requires extensive learning and ongoing professional development for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. It’s essential to deliver high-quality, safe, effective and person-centred care, in a constantly changing practice environment.
Simulation training is a means of delivering high-quality learning and ongoing training for healthcare professionals in safe and realistic settings. Doing so allows staff to develop their practical skills and build confidence. It also enhances teamwork, communication skills and situational awareness.
The past 20 years has seen a rapid growth in the different types of techniques of simulation that can be used in the healthcare sector, with considerable developments in the use of new immersive technologies. There has been a plethora of studies, research and evidence of the benefits of simulation in learning and development, and the value of achieving specified intended outcomes in a manner that may not be so readily or safely reached using other forms of educational or practice-based approaches.
The following manikins have been purchased recently with charitable support:
KERI is expected to be utilised extensively by student nurses and healthcare support workers, allowing them to confidently take on the fundamentals of nursing to ensure their safe practice before undertaking clinical shifts and their first interactions with patients.
CHESTER affords a chance to simulate real-world challenges as nurses and midwives master vascular access devices which are challenging.
CORMAN has been designed to enhance training and proficiency in the placement and management in adults of feeding tubes into the stomach and small intestine.
Siobhán McCawley, Lead Nurse for Education & Practice Development said:
“Our sincere appreciation to Kingston Hospital Charity and the donor who generously funded these manikins. We are delighted to welcome Keri, Chester and Corman to the practice development team.
“They enable us to offer teaching approaches that bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling our staff to be confident in their approach to patient care, by practising skills and procedures in a realistic and controlled environment.
“Prior to the manikins arriving, the content of the fundamentals of nursing such as personal hygiene, feeding and nutrition etc were taught using presentations. Now our new recruits (some who have never worked in healthcare) are able to practice essential skills during their induction period, gaining confidence and proficiencies, enhancing safety and gaining critical thinking skills as it allows time for self-reflection, identifies areas for improvement and fosters a culture of continuous learning.
“Thank you for facilitating this change and improvement for our staff and in the long term our patients.”