title: ED simulation made 'real' with use of actors.
abstract: The next time you have a drill for your department, you might consider enlisting some local talent to play the patients. Valley Medical Center in Renton, WA, used actors from the community to prepare ED staff for a recent move into new facilities, and the ED leaders say it made the actual move much smoother. You can find actors from local playhouses, drama clubs, or high schools. They usually will work without pay. Create a large number of scenarios so you cover most of the situations your staff will face following the move. Meet with your staff ahead of the drill to make sure they understand the seriousness and purpose of the simulation.
mesh_terms: D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D016544:Patient Simulation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014861:Washington