Human Patient Simulation case Essay

What is Human Patient Simulation?
As the world entered the 21st century, many new technology advances enhanced over the nation. This allowed for equipment, which was first built many years ago, to now advance its capabilities. Human patient simulation (HPS) has been in education for over 40 years, specifically in the medical education. "A human patient simulator is a life like, anatomically correct, computer driven mannequin with physiologic responses that mimic real patients" (Ober, 2009). HPS allows for real life experiences, that students experience during clinical situations. The students are able to go through processes to practice patient interaction, by gathering all the necessary data to treat the patient by assessing the HPS, then investigating the assessment methods, and prepare for treatment by providing an intervention to the HPS needs. (Howard et al, 2010). HPS is specifically designed with the ability to assess anesthesia, respiratory, and critical care situations. HPS design is equipped with features to provide simulated clinical experiences for allied health, emergency medicine, and many more. HPS is programmed with evidence based training to assist with helping students in the clinical environment setting (Rhodes et al, 2005). The HPS programming allows for the mannequin to respond to the current situation being simulated, with a microphone that is cordless attached to the back of the mannequins head (Johnson et al, 2008). The clinician is able to respond to the mannequin and asks questions pertaining to his or her care. The HPS actions are based on how the student interacts with the mannequins' problem. The HPS can recover from the situation or result in death, if the student did or did not complete the needed interventions to meet the patients needs (Howard at el, 2010). The human patient simulators are set up in school programs to replicate the actual work environment, such as a patient breathing, monitoring instruments, attached iv fluids and medications, attached lines and leads, and ability to obtain vital signs (Johnson et al, 2008). This is to allow for the appropriate pharmacological signals and physiological responses. The HPS can demonstrate normal and abnormal breathing sounds, they are able to communicate to the clinician, a pulse can be assessed, and also the movement of eyes is noticed. The software incorporates multiple scenarios patients can be healthy, pregnant, or ill. Within the anesthesia and nursing setting, students are able to administer medications in order to make the appropriate response related to the scenario. However, no research has been identified with the HPS dedicated specifically to the OT profession, such as HPS are unable to demonstrate flaccidity of joints. However OT students are able to become comfortable with the aspect of patient treatment with the use of the simulators. HPS are expensive, ranging in costs of 30,000-150,00, and time required for training faculty and finding a location to safely operate the use of the HPS is imperative. However previous research has suggested, that having students interact in the method of instruction is beneficial before clinical care experiences (Multak, et al, 2002).