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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie
Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie 2/2013

01-02-2013 | Review Article/Brief Review

Review article: Simulation: a means to address and improve patient safety

Authors: Viren N. Naik, MD, Susan E. Brien, MD

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the role of technical and nontechnical skills in routine and crisis situations. We discuss the role of different simulation modalities in addressing these skills and competencies to enhance patient safety.

Principal findings

Human and system errors are a recognized cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Technical skills encompass the medical and procedural knowledge required for patient care, while nontechnical skills are behaviour-based and include task management, situation awareness, teamwork, decision-making, and leadership. Both sets of skills are required to improve patient safety. Healthcare simulation can provide an opportunity to practice technical and nontechnical skills in a patient-safe environment. More specifically, these skills are most required in dynamic and crisis situations, which may best be practiced in a simulated patient setting.

Conclusion

Healthcare simulation is a valuable tool to improve patient safety. Simulation-based education can focus on the necessary technical and nontechnical skills to enhance patient safety. Simulation-based research can serve as a means to identify gaps in current practice, test different solutions, and show improved practice patterns by studying performance in a setting that does not compromise patient safety.
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Metadata
Title
Review article: Simulation: a means to address and improve patient safety
Authors
Viren N. Naik, MD
Susan E. Brien, MD
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-012-9860-z

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