Creating new synergies in simulation education and training

More than 70 education and clinical leaders and simulation training experts from across Southwestern Ontario came together this past weekend to create new synergies in simulation education and training. Representatives from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Windsor, and Fanshawe, Lambton and St. Clair Colleges, as well as London's teaching hospitals and those from across the region, participated in a full-day retreat - the first of its kind to be held on simulation.

Simulation training is viewed as one of the most effective means to improve skills, competency, team performance and overall patient care effectiveness and safety. And Southwestern Ontario is home to a number of well-established programs and world-class facilities used to train health care professionals. Spending the full day together, retreat participants learned about the outstanding programs that currently exist, and considered how a more collaborative approach could lead to overall improvements.

Participants heard from keynote speakers Dr. Viren Naik, medical director, University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre, and Lt. General (Ret.) Thomas Baptiste, president and executive director, National Centre for Simulation, Florida, both of whom are renowned for their expertise in creating strategic collaborative simulation training centres.

"This was an opportunity for physicians and other health care leaders in Southwestern Ontario to share their experiences and ideas. Our goal is to have our simulation training programs become more integrated, more efficient, and more effective overall," said Dr. John Denstedt, special advisor to the dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry on Globalization, Internationalization and Simulation. "The retreat also identified the potential economic development opportunities for Southwestern Ontario."

During the retreat, participants also determined the value of creating a new Simulation Training Consortium. Serving as a single integrated and highly collaborative venue, the Consortium would support and encourage meaningful interaction within the region's simulation training community.

The retreat was presented by the Southwestern Academic Health Network (SWAHN), which is an emerging partnership that includes academic institutions, hospitals and community partners. SWAHN has a goal to strengthen academic networking to improve health through the implementation of unique projects. The simulation retreat is just one example of the shared power organizations across the region could tap into through SWAHN as they strive to innovate health care teaching, research and ultimately enhance the provision of patient care.

Photo caption: Dr. Lane Trotter, Senior Vice President, Academic, Fanshawe College, Lt. Gen. USAF (Ret.) Thomas L. Baptiste, President/Executive Director, National Centre for Simulation, Florida, Dr. John Denstedt, Special Advisor to the Dean, Globalization, Internationalization and Simulation