Educational Strategies for Mobile Simulation Units

Abstract

Simulation is an established educational method for teaching healthcare students and healthcare professionals alike. It can be used to improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of learners in a realistic environment, while providing a safe space for addressing deficiencies. Emergency responders have vast experience and established professional identities. The educational methodologies used must take prior knowledge and experiences into consideration. Adult learning theory and training best practices will be applied to facilitate effective training of career healthcare professionals. Mobile simulation units are simulation labs set on trucks or other moving vehicles, taking the learning environment directly to the learners. Outreach training occurs within local communities that, likely, do not have access to advanced training facilities. Pre-hospital and hospital emergency personnel have the opportunity to learn from low-frequency, high-intensity patient cases in order to be better prepared to respond in emergency situations where seconds count. Additionally, these communities may be miles away from a critical access hospital, making response time and quality of care even more crucial.