The Rush University Simulation Laboratory (RUSL) has been awarded the 2007 CHEF Leadership Award for Innovation by the Chicago Health Executives Forum, one of the largest chapters of the American College of Healthcare Executives. The award recognizes innovative and outstanding programs that foster a positive evolution in the healthcare arena in the Chicago market.
The Rush University Simulation Laboratory (RUSL), located at Rush University Medical Center, is a state-of-the-art simulation training center equipped with life-sized, computer-controlled 'virtual patients' capable of simulating nearly any possible human medical emergency including allergic reactions and the effects of biochemical agents and drug overdoses, in addition to surgical and other procedures.
"Simulation medical training offers a safe and realistic environment for clinicians to repeatedly practice clinical scenarios and team building skills without subjecting patients to risk," said Margaret Faut-Callahan, DNSc, co-director of the RUSL. "The simulators available at Rush have many life-like factors that enhance training, such as blinking eyes, exhalation of carbon dioxide, chest movements, crying, coughing, palpable pulses, and much more."
Thanks to a grant from the Chicago Community Trust, the facilities have recently been renovated and expanded into a structure that can be converted into an operating room, emergency room, or intensive care unit. Audio and video systems in the adjoining conference room and classroom enable trainees to observe teaching sessions and interact with the instructor. Most importantly, these audiovisual capabilities allow faculty to provide guided performance feedback to trainees whose simulation scenarios have been recorded.
As part of the renovation, four new simulators were added to the existing adult, child and infant simulators. The new acquisitions include a more realistic baby simulator, a laparoscopic simulator, a neonatal/birthing simulator, and an additional human patient "emergency care" simulator. lCinicians can practice a variety of clinical tasks such as tracheal intubations, insertion of intravenous or bladder catheters, chest compressions, defibrillation, and pelvic examinations. Pharmacology and anesthesiology courses demonstrate the actions of drugs on the vital signs and physiology.
New training programs are now being offered including Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Basic Life Support continuing education for nurses and Pediatric Advanced Life Support training for physician/nurse teams. RUSL is also home to a novel training approach called Rapid Response Training that has proven to decrease patient mortality rates.
"The leadership team of the Rush University Simulation Lab is proud to be recognized for our successful renovation project," said Dr. David Rothenberg, co-director of the RUSL. "A collaborative effort among administrative and clinical experts, as well as community agencies and private foundations, has produced a world-class training center right here at Rush."
About Rush University Simulation Lab
Founded in 2002 on the principle of "patient safety without patient risk", the Rush University Simulation Lab was established thanks to a generous bequest from the estate of Mrs. Alverin M. Cornell. The training center, equipped with computer controlled patient simulators, enables all levels of healthcare providers to learn medical procedures in a highly realistic environment. For more information about RUSL, visit www.rushu.rush.edu/rusl/.
About the Chicago Health Executives Forum
Since 1976, the Chicago Health Executives Forum (CHEF) has been serving the Chicago healthcare market as one of the largest chapters of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Through key programs – Education, Networking, and Professional Development – CHEF serves more than 600 members in the area and is a benchmark to enhance each member’s leadership, innovation, development and community outreach.