title: Using Simulation to Improve Systems.
abstract: Simulation technology provides an important opportunity to prospectively identify systemic problems with minimal risk to patient safety and quality. Health care systems are implementing simulation-based exercises on a more regular basis, especially in high-risk settings such as the emergency department and operating room. The adoption of simulation-based and other system-oriented improvement strategies by the health care industry, especially regarding quality and safety, was preceded by its development in the manufacturing and aviation sectors.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Lundberg
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. Electronic address: Korndorffer@tulane.edu.
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Korndorffer
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D017145:Models, Educational; D013598:Systems Theory
keywords: Simulation; Six Sigma; Surgery; Systems; Team STEPPS