Simulation Scenario on CSMs La Plata Campus Ran Non-stop for nine hours
For nine non-stop hours, the College of Southern Maryland held an inter-professional simulation scenario May 2 at the La Plata Campus for students in healthcare programs. The experience provided an opportunity for CSM paramedic, nursing, medical lab technology and health information management/medical coding students to collaborate in the management of patient care for a simulated hospital emergency room (ER).
Simulated patients were assessed, triaged in the field and brought to the ER by the EMS (emergency medical services) students. Additional patients arrived to the ER waiting room requiring urgent care. Health Information Management (HIM) and Medical Coding students quickly interviewed and registered patients, created patient records and practiced their coding skills in medical billing.
Nursing students assessed patients, provided treatment, medications, teaching and other care in the ER under the direction of volunteer physician assistants from University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.
Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) students provided diagnostic support as they ran a fully functioning simulated clinical laboratory. All students had opportunities for inter-professional collaboration as they shared patient information and planned care for about 40 patients.
The success of the day hinged on the participation of more than 60 volunteers with many playing the roles of family members or patients as standardized participants. Others worked behind the scenes to make sure the ER continued to function with necessary supplies and equipment throughout the day. Faculty were on hand to pre-brief, supervise and de-brief students.
Management of patient care through inter-professional communication is a critical standard in todays health care environment, said CSM Health Sciences Division Chair Dr. Laura Polk. This is the first time the Health Sciences Division has attempted such a large, mufti-faceted simulation and I think our students had a phenomenal experience thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our faculty, staff and partner organizations including the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, La Plata Police Department and Charles County Mobile Intensive Care Unit.
For photos from the drill, visit http://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/ems-nurdrill. For information on the colleges health sciences programs, visit http://www.csmd.edu/hea/index.html.