Written by Leah Flake, Gerontology Curriculum Coordinator
Unlocking Confidence and Excellence with Simulations in the Classroom
Simulations are a game-changer in the world of healthcare education, fostering confidence, reducing errors, enhancing communication and boosting teamwork. For students aspiring to be healthcare professionals, simulations are the secret weapon for success. Simulations can prepare students for unique scenarios in the workplace that fall outside the scope of the classroom or clinical internship/residency.
Explore Our Wide Range of Simulations with USI GWEP and the Clinical Simulation Center!
At USI, the GWEP’s partnership with the USI Clinical Simulation Center provides an array of simulations, specifically tailored for those venturing into gerontology. Let's dive into a few remarkable resources.
Standardized Patients: Enhancing Your Tech and Telehealth Skills!
Meet Betty, one of our four standardized patients that help students learn about technology and telehealth and how to treat and interact with a patient, conduct an assessment and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team. In the photo below, Betty was adapted for a simulation catered to occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students. The students recorded Betty’s health information in the remote monitoring system Vivify while completing a medical exam with her over a video call.
Geriatric Simulation Kits and Adaptive Innovations: Walk in Their Shoes!
Simulation kits offer insights into impairments common with aging and cultivate empathy for the challenges these changes may present in daily life. There are kits that simulate arthritis, tremors, eye disorders like cataracts and more, with accompanying activities and presentations. In GERO 215, Dr. Katie Ehlman integrated these kits into her classroom, along with adaptive silverware, as seen below. The silverware uses stabilizing and leveling handles and attachments that are designed to help people with hand tremors or limited hand and arm mobility use cutlery. In a USI Community Nutrition class, students used geriatric simulation kits and adaptive silverware to gain better perspectives into innovative nutrition solutions for older adults with mobility issues.
Don't miss the opportunity to unlock your potential with simulations. Check out the wide variety of simulations offered through the GWEP.
