American Society of Anesthesiologists, CAE Launch SimSTAT

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and CAE Healthcare announced the release of the final two training modules of Anesthesia SimSTAT, their first of its kind virtual simulation program. The new modules, designed for the PACU and labor and delivery unit, are the last in a suite of five innovative training modules designed to enhance physician anesthesiologists’ management of anesthesia-related emergencies and improve patient outcomes.

“Until now, high-fidelity, scenario-based simulation trainingfor physician anesthesiologists was only available in-person, at selectsimulation centers. However, with SimSTAT we can get this training by using acomputer at the office or home any time,” said ASA President Mary DalePeterson, M.D., FASA. “It is critical that we continue to explore how we usetechnology to better practice procedures and manage or avoid emergencies beforethey happen in the operating room (O.R.), PACU or labor and delivery unit. Innovativetechnology like Anesthesia SimSTAT, that improves physicians’ training, cansave lives.”

Inspired by gaming platforms, Anesthesia SimSTAT breaks newground in on-demand, virtual learning for anesthesia, patient monitoring andmanaging emergencies. Realistic 3-D graphics and audio create a virtual environmentthat gives physicians control of medical equipment, the ability to work with aresponsive interprofessional medical team, and provides performance feedback,while working on a responsive patient. The five training modules include:Trauma, Appendectomy, Robotic Surgery, PACU and Labor and Delivery.

The first three modules have been available for over a yearand use a computer interface to put the user in a fully functioning virtualO.R. environment, while the latest modules, PACU and Labor and Delivery,introduce two new learning environments. The varied learning environments covera range of perioperative spaces that physician anesthesiologists practice in.

By completing all five modules, physician anesthesiologistscan earn 25 MOCA 2.0 Part 4 points, fulfilling five years of continuing medicaleducation (CME) requirements.

“We have released a comprehensive set of Anesthesia SimSTATmodules. We are seeing global interest from anesthesia societies and othercustomers that recognize the value in screen-based simulation for physicians,”said Rekha Ranganathan, president of CAE Healthcare. “This platform enableseasier delivery and higher retention, also provides data that will allow us tocontinuously improve how we deliver clinical education to make learning morepersonalized, adaptive.”

Since the launch of the first module, Anesthesia SimSTAT –Trauma, user response for the technology has been positive, with 88 percent oflearners reporting they were “satisfied with the  overall value in helping to improve theirprofessional effectiveness” and 87 percent stating they would “recommend it toother colleagues.” Additionally, regarding user satisfaction about theusefulness of the information in the course, it received a score of 92 percent.