At the simulation centre, which was opened today in brand new premises at Östra Hospital, trainee physicians, trainee nurses and healthcare employees can practise techniques. The advantage of using a simulator is that participants can practise individual elements over and over again. They can also make mistakes without any consequences, and can get immediate feedback on their actions.“This makes for excellent, highly effective learning," says Torben Nordahl-Amoröe, project manager and physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

“In this way, the simulation centre results in a considerable improvement in patient safety within healthcare throughout the entire region."At the simulation centre, advanced computer technology is used to simulate clinical situations in which both individual employees and teams can train and practise their skills. This could involve patient simulations in which examination, diagnosis and treatment are practised on a computer-controlled mannequin. It also offers the opportunity for simulations in which techniques and skills are practised in association with specific interventions, such as keyhole surgery or operation methods involving x-rays.“

It can also involve practising teamwork in a clinical situation, where the focus is on communication and leadership," adds Torben.The use of the simulation centre is aimed at all categories of staff throughout Region Västra Götaland and the Sahlgrenska Academy, for both basic education and further education.“The refined technology and training offered by the simulator will therefore really benefit patients."

More information at http://www.vgregion.se/sv/Ovriga-sidor/Simulatorcentrum/Om_Simulatorcentrum/

Contact: Torben Nordahl-Amoröe, project manager and physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, tel. 031-342 81 92, torben.nordahl-amoroe@vgregion.se

Lena Mattsson, Press Officer, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, tel. 031-786 38 69, 076-024 82 70, lena.mattsson@sahlgrenska.gu.se

Göran Samuelsson, Press Officer, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, tel. 031-342 96 11, 070-666 38 58, goran.h.samuelsson@vgregion.se

Picture: From the Sahlgrenska Academy

Research through cooperation The Sahlgrenska Academy is the faculty of health sciences at the University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital is one of Northern Europe´s largest hospitals. Almost 300 research projects take place in cooperation between the academy and the university hospital.

Source: Press release, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 17/09/2010