High-fidelity simulation activities currently occur at the HITS (Health Innovation Technology and Simulation) lab, a 7,600-square-foot simulation facility, located in Temple Hall at 1818 Andy Holt Drive. High-fidelity simulation experiences replicate actual clinical environments including physical, psychological, and environmental elements. At the HITS lab, students learn cognitive, psychomotor (technical), and affective (behavioral) skills using interprofessional approaches.
The HITS lab includes areas that simulate the following health care settings; pediatrics, medical/surgical, obstetrics, emergency department, a Smart Home apartment, and four primary care exam rooms.
Housed in this high-fidelity lab are manikins for adult, obstetric, and pediatric care scenarios offering realistic physiological cues essential in clinical scenarios. Live simulated participants, or standardized patients, are also incorporated in simulation activities to increase clinical realism. The simulation team are experts in preparing simulated participants to portray patient, family, and clinical roles. The highly trained pool of simulated participants ensure faculty can present clinical learning opportunities focused towards communication, an essential component of clinical training.
The HITS lab also includes audiovisual technology to record simulation events to use in debriefings or incorporate into the curriculum for self, peer, and faculty evaluation. Debriefing is a crucial feature to simulated learning activities. During debriefings, which occur after every simulated experience, faculty and students discuss clinical performances to reinforce and support safe practice.
The high fidelity HITS lab is also equipped with telehealth and robot technologies that enhance and engage distance students in simulated learning opportunities.
