UPEI Launches Innovative Medical Simulation Centre for Students

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has inaugurated a new Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre (CLSC) designed to enhance the training of future healthcare professionals. This facility allows students to engage in hands-on learning through advanced simulations and standardized patient interactions, preparing them for real-world medical scenarios.

The CLSC features high-tech manikins and recreated clinical environments that mirror actual hospital settings. This approach aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling students to develop essential skills before treating real patients.

Catherine O’Brien, an experienced actor and director, plays a pivotal role in this innovative training program. She began her journey in medical simulation at the University of Toronto, where she participated in similar programs. Now, she works part-time at UPEI’s CLSC as a standardized patient, portraying scripted roles to assist students in honing their interviewing and diagnostic skills. “They will learn how to interview, how to ask the right questions, how to make the patient feel comfortable using empathy,” O’Brien stated during a recent interview on CBC’s Island Morning.

Realistic Training for Future Healthcare Professionals

The CLSC aims to create a supportive and safe environment for students. O’Brien emphasizes the importance of this setting, stating that it allows students to practice in a realistic atmosphere without the pressure of working with actual patients. The standardized patients come from diverse backgrounds, not limited to actors, to reflect a wide array of real-life scenarios.

Paul Charles, the simulation program manager, detailed the extensive resources available at the CLSC. The centre includes realistic clinical hospital rooms equipped with medication carts and vital signs monitors. Students train with high-fidelity manikins capable of simulating various medical conditions, including breathing, talking, and even experiencing heart attacks or seizures. This comprehensive training approach enables students to build confidence and competence, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Beyond student training, the CLSC also serves healthcare professionals looking to refresh their skills. Tammie Muise, the centre’s director, highlighted an exciting new addition to their resources—a mobile “simulation rig.” This trailer mimics the interior of an ambulance, allowing professionals to practice emergency responses in real-time scenarios, such as managing a stroke or heart attack. “They can really fine-tune those skills to help improve patient outcomes,” Muise explained.

Engagement with the Medical Community

The CLSC not only focuses on education but also fosters collaboration between students and healthcare professionals. O’Brien has already interacted with members of the medical school’s inaugural cohort and is eager to continue her work with them in upcoming training sessions. “I have a few coming up, which I’m excited to get going with,” she shared.

As UPEI’s medical school prepares to welcome its first students, the CLSC stands as a testament to the institution’s commitment to innovative medical education. By integrating advanced simulation technology with hands-on training, UPEI is positioning its graduates to excel in the healthcare field, ultimately benefiting the community they serve.