Incorporation of a computerized human patient simulator in critical care training: a preliminary report.
BACKGROUND
The intent of the study was to document initial experience with human patient simulation, using a full-scale computerized mannequin, in evaluating cognitive performance among junior surgery residents.


METHODS
This was an observational study of eight postgraduate year-2 surgery residents during initial critical care rotation that assessed their responses to three unknown scenarios using a human patient simulator.


RESULTS
No resident successfully completed the first scenario. Of note was a reluctance to call for help until the scenario reached a critical stage. Subsequent performance improved in areas previously neglected. Resident acceptance of simulation scenarios as a teaching tool was excellent.


CONCLUSIONS
The human patient simulator is a valuable tool in critical care education, identifying weaknesses both in individual student performance and in program content.
Hammond
Jeffrey
J
Department of Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903-0019, USA. hammond@umdnj.edu
Bermann
Mordechai
M
Chen
Bo
B
Kushins
Lawrence
L
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D016544:Patient Simulation; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity