WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital has opened a high-tech classroom that will allow WellSpan clinical staff to improve and apply their patient care skills.
The Dart Foundation Clinical Simulation Lab includes two life-size, interactive mannequins, "Sim Man" and "Sim Mom," which can simulate particular breathing patterns, heart rates, bowel sounds, and other symptoms associated with illnesses or health care problems.
By observing and interacting with the mannequins, clinicians can get hands-on training in providing care to patients who are in cardiac arrest, giving birth, having an asthma attack, suffering a diabetic emergency and experiencing a wide variety of other health care issues.
The lab, which is on the second floor of the hospital, is expected to provide annual training to about 600 staff members, including nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, paramedics and other clinicians.
In addition to practicing their skills, staff members will be able to work as a team and receive immediate feedback. The lab has video equipment that can capture training as it occurs in the lab. The lab includes a room with video monitors and a space for staff to gather, watch their training sessions and be debriefed by instructors.
Supported by the Ephrata Community Health Foundation, the $300,000 classroom was funded by donations and grants, including a $50,000 grant from the Dart Foundation as well as gifts from community donors and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital physicians and staff.
The Ephrata Community Health Foundation is a community-based, not-for-profit corporation that exists to inspire gifts and grants to support the health and well-being of northern Lancaster County residents. The Dart Foundation, a private family foundation established by Dart Container Corporation founder William A. Dart and his wife, Claire T. Dart, supports projects that enhance education, especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, and those that improve the quality of life in specific communities.
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