The opportunity for collaboration is often right in our own backyards.
Recognizing opportunity is the key, CSE Software, a global leader in simulation development, has long been known for creative thinking in the technology field. OSF HealthCare is a forward-thinking entity looking for ways to incorporate simulation into its organization. With programs emerging in the biomedical field, simulation makes sense; collaborating on a simulated medical device together is a natural fit.
“It was wonderful to ‘discover’ a company with such a depth and breadth of resources in the computer simulation industry here in Peoria. The location, just a mile from the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center on the OSF campus, was a real advantage to future collaboration,” says Dr. John Vozenilek, chief medical officer for simulation at the Center, scheduled to open in the spring.
Learning Never Stops
The need to stay ahead of the curve on new tools and techniques is a must in the healthcare field. Like technology, it’s a field that requires ongoing learning in order to stay abreast of new developments. Utilizing new technology for training and education makes sense for many reasons. “Simulation training allows physicians, nurses and healthcare professionals to practice new techniques and procedures without putting patients at risk,” explains Renee Gorrell, vice president of CSE Software. “Simulation also allows organizations to enhance procedural efficiency.” Gorrell outlines some of the key benefits for healthcare providers:
- Immersive and interactive training. Realistic tools and environments ensure that medical professionals learn the same techniques as they will use in a real-world medical situation. Actual equipment and tool components are replicated in order to provide a realistic interface for the user.
- Training consistency. Training every staff member in the same way is crucial. Simulation means each technique is spelled out and delivered with best practices no matter where the users are located. Staff at every off-site location or classroom gets the same training experience. Differences in instructors or how the instructors might train never come into play because the medical device simulation is consistent.
- Meeting compliance. Delivering a simulated training experience affords the ability to teach compliance regulations as well as process.
- Safety awareness. Training with a simulated medical device allows any mishaps to happen in the virtual environment. Users can practice as many times as needed to master proper sequences and techniques. When you create mind mapping by following the same sequences every time in the simulated environment, the responses become automatic. This translates to a better trained team when moving to the real device.
Medical Device Simulation
Innovation abounds in the medical field, including the devices that deliver life-saving care to patients. The device OSF has chosen to simulate is called the Alaris Pump module. It’s computerized and designed to deliver fluids, medications, blood and blood products to patients. A range of delivery methods can be used—intravenous, intra-arterial, subcutaneous, epidural, enteral or irrigation of fluid spaces—and up to four pump modules can be attached to a single unit, allowing four different infusions.
Because the pump has a built-in computer, it is constantly collecting and monitoring data, helping to improve patient safety and reinforce best practices. Through interactive simulation, training on the device is delivered consistently and efficiently to personnel. Doctors, nurses and support staff can familiarize themselves with every button, dial and screen and the workings of each key area before using the actual pump. In addition, process and procedures can be covered to help personnel get a full understanding of the device—or it can even be used for patient education.
“True to our roots in formation and assessment, we will look for the best placement of this tool within our system,” adds Dr. Vozenilek. “Likely applications appear to be in support of further standardizing the orientation that medical and nursing personnel receive. We are very serious to our commitment to the highest quality in healthcare through sound educational practice.”
Behind the Technology
To define the scope and objectives of a project, a CSE project manager follows a process known as 4D Methodology (Define, Design, Develop and Deploy). The project is divided into stages that include many different steps, and this process ensures it is delivered according to client requirements. It is CSE’s job to make sure that bug-free software is ultimately installed, deployed and used by the client. Also key is recommending the right technologies for the project. Once the project’s objectives and scope are defined, choices can be made regarding the platform and methods of deployment.
In regards to developing a simulation project, three main teams work together: 3D modeling, physics and 3D programming. In addition, multimedia development may have its hand in creating key graphic elements or parts of the tutorials. These teams work together seamlessly with the project manager and the client to develop the most realistic simulations possible, whether it is a tool, machine or business application. By following very specific methodologies, it ensures the project is developed and delivered to the client’s specifications. “Setting milestones keeps the project on schedule and the client informed,” shares Gorrell. “When dealing with a critical topic like medicine, following the methodology is even more significant because the project outcome impacts people’s health.”
Virtual Training, Real Results
Ultimately, it’s the public that wins in a collaboration like this one. Better trained healthcare professionals mean benefits for all of us, including less chance of patient errors, cost savings from more efficient procedures, and the alleviation of equipment damage or misuse. “While it’s clear that healthcare simulation has become more and more available to medical centers,” says Dr. Vozenilek, “few are as focused as Jump is on creating tools for improving the safety and efficiency of healthcare through an engineering approach. With the pressures of the Affordable Care Act, it’s important that we leverage these powerful tools to not just educate, but to transform.” iBi
Annette Bailey is the marketing strategist for CSE Software Inc. and Simformotion LLC.
