FACULTY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR PRECLINICAL MEDICAL EDUCATION USING LIVE-ACTION LARGE GROUP TRAUMA SIMULATION

Michael T. Fitch, M.D., Ph.D.^*, Wake Forest University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 U.S.A.

Purpose

Recent work demonstrates the feasibility of high-fidelity patient simulation to enhance the preclinical basic science curriculum in medical school.  Our goal was to further develop this novel teaching method and create a faculty development program demonstrating this educational approach.

Methods

Based on experience with 202 medical students who had participated in our live-action large group simulation as part of the basic science curriculum, we developed a novel emergency patient simulation for traumatic injury.  This scenario was presented in a faculty “Teaching Advancement Program” to demonstrate the educational opportunities available for those teaching in the basic science curriculum.  Physician actors portrayed EMS personnel, ED nurses, and concerned family members interacting with Laerdal SimMan running via laptop computer in a large conference room.  An emergency medicine physician facilitator engaged the faculty audience in the event.

Results

The half hour simulation was presented for a group of 26 faculty as part of a one hour program.  Medical students managed the case with input from participating faculty.  Guided discussion highlighted educational opportunities for teaching basic pulmonary physiology, respiratory mechanics, intrapleural and transpulmonary pressures, and treatment for pneumothorax.

Conclusion

Live-action large group simulation was well received as part of a faculty development program.  Faculty from 6 non-clinical departments and 14 clinical specialties participated in this simulation that demonstrated the utility of this educational approach within the medical school basic science curriculum.  Future presentations will incorporate additional clinical disease processes to further illustrate potential uses of this educational approach in the preclinical curriculum.