Practice might not make perfect, but it certainly helps.
Bristol Hospital’s adoption of this philosophy is evident in its recent purchase of two high-fidelity mannequins - collectively costing about $70,000 - which have been dedicated to a simulation room that will be used for training.
“It promotes patient safety,” said Mary Ann Cordeau, Bristol Hospital board member and associate professor at the Quinnipiac School of Nursing. “It’s about patient safety.”
Cordeau spoke Thursday at the ribbon-cutting event for the hospital’s new state-of-the-art simulation room, which sits on the second floor of the Center for Surgery and Endoscopy on Brewster Road. The room can be used by all members of the health care team, including nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists and patient care associates.
A room like this is common in bigger hospitals, but it’s somewhat rarer for small, community hospitals, according to Bristol Hospital officials. Simulations can entail any possible scenario a patient might present, such as those who suddenly experience chest pains or suffer a stroke.
“We recreate these scenarios,” said Cordeau, adding that the mannequins interact with those undergoing the simulation by having someone who is standing behind a temporary wall use a microphone.
“It’s a real-time conversation.”
Cordeau also said the simulations aren’t limited to medical emergencies. They can help someone practice delivering bad news to a patient, like telling them they have a terminal illness.
Valerie Varanelli, professional development coordinator at Bristol Hospital, said the mannequins promote “critical thinking in a safe learning environment,” leading to “improved patient safety.”
“This is a really exciting day for us,” said Kurt Barwis, president and CEO of Bristol Hospital, adding that the new simulation room will create a “safer environment for our community.”
“Another exciting moment in time for Bristol Hospital,” Barwis said.