Improving Patient Care Through Simulation

Healthcare Simulation Week, a national event held this year Sept. 12-16, celebrates and showcases how simulation educations helps build a stronger healthcare system through improved patient care, safety and outcomes.

At West Virginia University, the state-of-the-art David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) provides experiential learning opportunities for students in all five health schools – Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health – and WVU Medicine professionals.

Practice labs, an operating room, high fidelity manikins and more give students innovative interprofessional healthcare training to enhance education and improve their analytical, diagnostic, communication and crisis-intervention skills.

By providing a safe learning environment, trainees are safer and smarter before encountering patients in everyday and critical care situations.