While studies have shown that simulation with high-fidelity mannequins can replace clinical experience, resistance to this is still present. the future practice setting—staff development versus academic—how can you use simulation to foster clinical decision making in your learners? What type of scenario would you build?

High Fidelity Simulation is a healthcare education methodology that involves the use of sophisticated life-like manikins (sometimes called mannequins) in realistic patient environments. Simulation scenarios can take place anywhere, from austere environments for EMS or Military Simulations, to clinical environments like surgical simulation inside a simulation centers. These complex manikins, which are also known as human patient simulators or high-fidelity simulators mimic human anatomy and physiology.

Step-by-step explanation

Almost all of the high-fidelity manikins have expansion of the chest to mimic breathing, have variable heart rates and tones, blood pressure that could be measured, and palpable pulses. Various procedures can be performed on manikins such as bag-mask ventilation, intubation, defibrillation, chest tube placement, as well as cricothyrotomy. These procedures require a lot of practice and when not done properly can be detrimental for the patient. Usage of these manikins enhances clinical skills of young practitioners as well as assure the safety of the patients. Many manikins are articulated, change color, exhibit seizures, speak and cry. Some high-fidelity simulators are very specialized such as trauma manikins with severely damaged or missing limbs which can be a setting for practicing the primary and secondary surveys, birthing manikins that mimic a woman during labor and delivery, newborn or premature babies and smaller pediatric manikins.

To foster clinical decision making of learner's one must create a certain scenario, such as mentioned above, a trauma setting. A trauma setting produces a lot of stress, requires a lot of focus, and an effective primary/secondary survey. Stimulation with manikins to produce such setting would be of benefit for young practitioners. Young practitioners would be sensitized and oriented on such settings resulting to sufficient and appropriate management catered for trauma patients (open fractures, eviscerations, motor-vehicular accidents,. etc)