There is much interest in the world of surgery in surgical training and credentialing, using simulated technology. The American College of Surgeons has endorsed the development of simulated surgical training centers and recently developed guidelines for accreditation of these facilities.

The first facility of its kind on the West Coast, The SimSurg Education Center will open in San Francisco in Fall 2008. Watch this page for more information.

An Innovative Learning Center

Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, The SimSurg Education Center provides

• A link to the first high-definition OR in the US,
• Leading-edge simulated surgical technology,
• Distance learning through pod casting and HD videoconferencing,
• A platform for enhanced critical decision making and algorithm development,
• The opportunity to experience rare events without consequence to patients via simulation and digital communication,
• Improved patient care through the use of simulation technology

The SimSurg Education Center at California Pacific changes the way fundamental surgery-related skills are taught and evaluated. This mult-disciplinary facility provides a vital platform for continuing education while also creating a laboratory setting for research and development in surgical skills innovation, anesthesia techniques and nursing education.

Among the special features of The SimSurg Education Center are high-definition (HD)conferencing, which is fully integrated with the first HD operating room in the United States; Human Patient Simulators and a complete simulated operating room and post-anesthesia recovery unit.

Patient Safety through Simulation

The ability to experience rare but critical situations in simulation allows for education and development of clinical algorithms without consequence to an actual patient. Through simulation training, patient safety and outcomes are likely to be improved when similar situations are encountered in a clinical environment.

Continuing Education

Currently, surgeons acquire skills through a prolonged training process of residency and fellowship. It is generally assumed that surgeons will learn new skills as techniques change. Through simulation and digital communication, training in new techniques and technology can now be accomplished in a more controlled fashion. Most participating surgeons will be actively practicing and seeking to enhance their technique or acquire new skills.

Anesthesiologists often face critical and unpredicted clinical challenges in the operating room. Through simulation, rare events can be experienced without consequence to a patient. At the same time, critical decision making and algorithm development can occur.

The SimSurg Education Center will also educate perioperative nurses, specializing in the care of patients undergoing operative or other invasive procedures. Perioperative nurses work on the surgical front lines, so no one is better qualified or has the capacity to advocate for and ensure patient safety in the surgical setting. Training in a simulated and controlled environment allows for the development of critical thinking skills, physician-nurse relationship building and optimization of performance of the surgcal team.

Contact Us

For more information about The SimSurg Education Center and the training opportunities we provide, please call 415-600-2070.
www.simsurg.org.


Images courtesy of Draeger Medical and METI