Franciscan Health to Open Medical Simulation Center

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has announced plans to open a medical simulation center within the next year, depending on funding.

According to Matthew Brown, MD, a simulation center is an area that is dedicated to training clinical personnel in the use of highly sophisticated equipment and in developing complex skills. Dr. Brown is the designated institutional officer for Franciscan Health’s graduate medical education program in Olympia Fields.

“Simulation centers enable participants to master best practices in safe, simulated real-life environments,” Dr. Brown said.

Whether used for learning new skills or honing existing skills, medical simulation centers offer essential, “real life” experience to physicians, nurses and students. Medical students and medical personnel gain critical skills and confidence in their abilities through their participation in these centers as they work together to safely practice skills on new techniques or technologies on realistic full-body patient simulation models or manikins.

“Whether or not equipment is involved, there is communication that must occur among team members in high-risk situations,” Dr. Brown said. “The center will offer an essential learning component to enhance patient safety.”

Different scenarios may be created in the simulation center that are tailored to the education and experience requirements of providers. Rehearsing various scenarios that could complicate real life care helps to prepare them for any obstacles.

“We have a large group of medical students who do a clinical rotation with us every month,” Dr. Brown said. “Developing these most basic skills is always easier if you’ve been able to practice them in a low-stress environment first.”

The simulation center will include workstations that simulate specific technologies so providers can practice physical skills and develop muscle memory specific to that equipment.

Education in the center can range from teaching basic skills to appropriate response to codes, to the placement of defibrillators and more. Developing and honing these skills will have a direct, positive impact on those served by Franciscan Health.

A simulation center is consistent with Franciscan Health’s mission to care for the community.

“It all translates to better care in the hospital, improved patient safety, and added response to the needs of the community,” Dr. Brown said.

The Franciscan Health Foundation is raising funds to finance the new simulation center. Proceeds from this year’s golf outing, the 20th Franciscan Health Classic, are earmarked for the center. It will be held on Monday, August 15, at the Olympia Fields Country Club.

“Bringing this advanced medical simulation training technology to Olympia Fields further demonstrates our commitment to medical education that inspires innovative instruction, lifelong learning, and clinical excellence among our providers,” said Laurie Crosby, Franciscan Health Foundation Executive Director.

For details on how you can participate as a sponsor or a golfer, call Laurie Crosby or Kelly Mager at 708-852-2430. Additional information is also available at FranciscanHealthFoundation.org/GolfClassic.