Bristol Hospital said it’s opened a new simulation room where medical staff can practice responding to medical conditions on a pair of high-tech, lifelike mannequins.
The mannequins have lung, heart and bowel sounds, as well as palpable pulses. Staff can communicate with the mannequins verbally or using pre-programmed sounds. Through participating in simulated clinical experiences, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed for clinical practice, the hospital said.
Combined, the mannequins cost about $70,000, comprising the main cost of the facility, which is located in the hospital's Center for Surgery and Endoscopy. Funding was provided, in part, by a gift from Waterbury-based C&H Electric. Kurt A. Barwis, the hospital’s president and CEO, also made a donation.
“The Simulation Room represents Bristol Hospital’s commitment to continuing education and enhances our clinical practice with outcomes-based education,” Chris Ann Meaney, Bristol Hospital’s vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, said in a statement.
Mary Ann Cordeau, a member of the hospital’s board of directors and an associate professor in the School of Nursing at Quinnipiac University, consulted on building the simulation room.
“The bottom line is that this is all about patient safety — simulation-based learning experiences help participants develop clinical judgment,” Cordeau said.
Hartford Hospital also uses high-tech training mannequins in its Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation.