title: Affordable simulation for small-scale training and assessment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  High-fidelity patient simulation is increasingly recognized as an effective means of team training, acquisition and maintenance of technical and professional skills, and reliable performance assessment; however, finding a cost effective solution to providing such instruction can be difficult. This report describes the rationale, design, and appropriateness of a portable simulation model and example of its successful use at national meetings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Stanford Simulation Group, in association with several other centers, developed a portable Pediatric Simulation Training and Assessment Program (Pediatric Anesthesia in-Situ Simulation) and presented it at two national meetings. The technical challenges and costs of development are outlined, and a satisfaction survey was conducted at the completion of the program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All respondents (100%) either agreed or strongly agreed that the course was useful, met expectations, was enjoyable, and that the scenarios were realistic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Portable Simulation Training and Assessment Program (Pediatric Anesthesia in-Situ Simulation) presents innovative educational and financial opportunities to assist in both training and assessment of critical emergency response skills at smaller institutions and allows specialized instruction in an in situ setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
authors.forename: Alice A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Edler
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Honkanen
authors.forename: Al
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hackel
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Golianu
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education; D003198:Computer Simulation / Q000191:economics*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods