SimTutor's simulation-based training improves the engagement, knowledge retention and workplace preparation of students. New methodologies, enabled by advances in learning technology are driving deeper learning and delivering better outcomes.

 

Simulation-based training builds competence

Enhancing Women's and OB Ultrasound Training

Cindy Parke, RNC, CNM, MSN is the CEO of Professional Education Center (PEC). PEC provides continuing nursing and midwifery education in the field of obstetrics and has trained over one million nurses.

The vision and goal of PEC are to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. The competence of nurses can make a significant impact on this – they need to be skilled at recognizing normal labor, monitoring for potential risks, choosing appropriate interventions, and responding to both normal and challenging scenarios. PEC's training is patient-centered, clinically-focused, and result-oriented.

After a rigorous evaluation, PEC incorporated SIMTICS simulation-based training modules from SimTutor, into PEC’s Limited Women’s and OB Ultrasound education. PEC's training comprises a blend of educational resources, including home study units, webinars, live seminars and online learning using the SIMTICS simulation-based learning modules.

Simulation learning is adaptable and cost-effective

 

Cindy regards simulation-based training as an ‘essential component’ of their Ultimate Ultrasound Training Menu. The adaptability and flexibility of the SITMICS modules make training easier, faster and more effective:

When students have used the SIMTICS simulations first, we move through concepts and the hand skills in the face-to-face sessions with much greater speed. This reduces the cost to the institution.”

The 24/7 availability anytime, anywhere is also an attractive convenience for her company and its clients: “This is most important to the small hospital or midwifery group. They cannot manage for their staff to take time away for a conference, but they still need to refine the skills of limited OB ultrasound into practice.”

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Simulation-based training drives deeper learning
 

As an experienced dental assistant and educator, Cassie Belfancha describes another benefit of simulation-based learning:

"Each simulation eLearning module focuses on one skill or procedure.The SIMTICS lessons contain a text explanation, a video of a clinician performing the procedure, a 3D anatomy model and finally a quiz. The defining aspect is that students can learn and practice their skills interactively and test their competence too."

The simulation eLearning modules “will teach, remind, refresh, and keep things current in a student’s head throughout their entire education program. They not only learn more effectively but what they learn in the beginning is not forgotten because they can go back and practice each skill later, long after it was covered in class.”

Simulation-based learning increases knowledge retention
 


The procedural information is presented in different formats, which stimulate and engage different regions of the brain. Multi-dimensional simulation eLearning helps integrate the learning into the brain and embed the knowledge in long-term memory.


“Interacting, doing; this is how my students learn best. SIMTICS is amazingly wonderful for this, it helps to lock in their knowledge. Anybody can look at a book, but when they actually do it in a simulation, they remember it. After studying with SIMTICS, it’s like the whole procedure is automatically embedded in their brains.”


Research confirms that students retain learning better through the feedback cycle of an experiential, learning-by-doing model.

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Simulation eLearning promotes learner engagement

 

Rayan Matthews, CRMA, introduced simulation eLearning to the online program at West Virginia Junior College while she was director of the program. She reports that she was able to increase the number of simulation eLearning tasks for the students each week without any negative reactions from them. In fact she observed more positive learner engagement: “There was not one complaint, because it’s fun and it’s interactive. They’re not just reading. It’s like real life for them. They love it and they don’t complain about the workload.”

Rayan says that one of the greatest benefits for the school from introducing web-based simulations was being able to expand the online CMA program into other states - without affecting the students’ learning opportunities and results. “We could not have achieved this without SIMTICS.”

Students want technology to be part of their learning

 

Although some tasks, like drawing blood or injecting with a needle might be a little different in real life to doing an online simulation, students still find the SIMTICS online training immensely valuable. As Cassie explains, “Times have changed: The generation of students we’re working with now are computer gurus compared to some of us. They like using computers and they expect technology to be part of their learning.”

“I never believed that a simulation could be so realistic,” says Rayan Matthews. She wanted a product that would accurately recreate the real-life scenarios students might encounter when working with real people in a clinical situation. She needed simulation eLearning that would enable students to repeatedly practice and develop both decision-making and procedural skills safely, without any risk of harm to actual patients - in addition to all the other benefits of simulation-based training.

Simulation-based training is essential for 21st century healthcare education

In a challenging market, with both educators and students demanding more from their training, simulation-based training offers not only a competitive edge but also valuable benefits that better equip learners to perform competently on-the-job. As more and more educators are confirming, it’s an ‘essential component’ of any training or education program that aims to meet the demands of 21st century healthcare. 

Set your training apart from your rivals with simulation-based training 

Watch this short demo video to see how simulation-based training, and SIMTICS learning modules can supercharge your healthcare education.

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