New Simulation Centre gives medical students practical experience

The University of Otago, Christchurch, has opened a new education Simulation Centre for training medical students and other health professionals.

The Simulation Centre is home to the latest human simulator – who has been named Alex.

Alex is a life-like, computerised manikin who can simulate myriad conditions such as heart failure, trauma and diabetes. He can be programmed to speak, bleed, cough and pass urine, as a patient would in real-life medical scenarios.

Students are able to practise techniques such as resuscitation on Alex and to track his response to treatments and medications.

Alex is the first human simulator of his kind in New Zealand and latest technology.

In addition to Alex, the Simulation Centre has a range of other medical models including arms for practising taking blood and putting in intravenous drips.

The Simulation Centre has rooms set up like a GP’s surgery, a hospital ward room and an emergency department resuscitation area.

University of Otago, Christchurch, Simulation Centre director Dr MaryLeigh Moore says it allows students to develop their skills in a manner which is consistent with current best practice in medical education.

“The Simulation Centre provides students with opportunities to practise a range of clinical skills in a safe setting before performing them on patients. This includes not only technical procedures but other skills such as communication and teamwork.”

“Because the Centre mimics real health care settings, students are learning skills in context and are also able to practise appropriate professional behaviours.”