Simulation

The UK Department of Emergency Medicine believes strongly that the adaptation of experiential learning via high fidelity simulation is a crucial component of a well rounded training environment for the emergency medicine professional. Simulation complements traditional teaching modes to improve skills, teamwork, communication, and safety.

In that spirit, we are active stakeholders in the new UK Healthcare Simulation Center that opened in late 2018. Our residents are regularly involved in a variety of simulation activities throughout the academic year as both learners and educators. Several of our recurring activities are outlined below:

Simulation stage for Emergency Medicine.

healthcare provider viewing a computer screen with simulation patient information; simulation operating room in background

In Situ Simulation

We believe deeply in our inter-professional relationships in the ED as well as the concept that patient care is improved when the care team functions with solidarity. Under this principle, our simulation team performs live simulation in the clinical department to reflect best practices for resuscitation together. Among the previously addressed activities are COVID code management for adult and pediatric patients, general ACLS/PALS cases, and organization of trauma resuscitation.

Medical Student Simulation

For residents with an interest in teaching, we conduct a monthly simulation program with our rotating MS4 students including an intensive airway station and multiple high fidelity cases. Not only do residents have the opportunity for leadership in this setting, but become essential in helping to recruit the next generation of students into the UK EM family.

Annual "Ultrasim" Procedure Day

In the first few weeks of July each academic year, we take over the simulation center for a four-hour session to replace our weekly conference lectures. Ultrasim Day allows our residents and interns the opportunity to start the new year off with direct practice performing high-acuity, low frequency procedures under the direction of faculty and utilizing commercial task trainers. Part of the morning is also spent performing resuscitation scenarios with our high fidelity mannequins and debriefing as a group. Finally, our US gurus will introduce learners to our wide variety of machines and allow learners early practice in the most high yield POCUS exams that translate to daily clinical practice.

EM Resident Longitudinal Simulation Curriculum

Each UK EM resident will spend an intensive four-hour session each semester performing the role of physician in a variety of classic EM pathologic presentations. Cases span the breadth of adult and pediatric cases, medical and traumatic complaints and are the foundation for excellence at the bedside. We adhere to an environment of psychological safety in our simulated environment, reflected in debriefing sessions to identify approaches to care and understanding our vulnerabilities as physicians.

Conference Day Simulation Sessions

Newly launched in the 2020-21 academic year, our residents will spend half of a weekly conference day multiple dates throughout the year to engage in simulation activities. The model for these two-hour learning exercises follows the style of “UltraSim” day and the cases/procedures relate to the current didactic module aligning with our lectures.