Press Release The Smart Hospital at The University of

							                                                                                  Press Release
The Smart Hospital at The University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing becomes a
Laerdal Center of Excellence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2005

UTA School of Nursing is pleased to announce designation as a Laerdal Center of Excellence. It is
the 6th of Laerdal Medical’s national Health Care Education sites dedicated to simulation-based
education, training and research. A Laerdal Center of Excellence provides strategic benefits for
those conducting research and using simulation in education and training of healthcare
professionals. The other Centers of Excellence include: The Wiser Institute at the University of
Pittsburg, University of Maryland , Temple College Health Sciences Center, STRATUS Center at
Brigham & Women’s University and Oregon Health Sciences University.

The UTA Smart Hospital, has recently added a Smart Emergency Department to its virtual clinical areas,
and has expanded its array of simulated patients to include 27 full-body patient simulators and manikins,
task trainers, medical equipment and sophisticated state of science self-directed computer programs and
learning products. Dean Elizabeth Poster says, “The expanded facilities and Laerdal simulation products
and resources provide students with a challenging learning environment that ensures higher levels of
competence in clinical and critical thinking skills and confidence when providing care to real patients. The
alliance with Laerdal will better prepare both future and current healthcare providers to meet the demands of
complex and changing health care settings. This partnership with an international leader in simulation
technology for over 50 years underscores the recognition of UTA SON as a leader in nursing education
innovation and research”..

Laerdal Medical will be actively involved in faculty development and student learning through product
demonstrations, new product beta site testing, and virtual hospital and simulation lab modeling to ensure
that simulation technology and products are matched to student learning needs now, and into the future.
Laerdal VP of Sales, Rosie Patterson says, “We are proud to be part of the solution to the nursing shortage
and faculty development process through the use of simulation.”

The University of Texas at Arlington and Laerdal will continue to collaborate to demonstrate best practices in
the use of patient simulation and self-directed learning products in health care education. The collaboration
will benefit undergraduate and graduate education as well in as the continuing education and credentialing
needs of practicing healthcare providers and community emergency responders.

UTA School of Nursing is located in the heart of the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex. Dedicated to excellence
in nursing education, the school offers the full array of degree options: BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post-MSN and
PhD. The University is part of the UT system and has emerged as a comprehensive education and research
institution. www.uta.edu/nursing and

Laerdal Medical is dedicated to helping save lives with products, services and system solutions that support
the Chain of Survival and Circle of Learning. Laerdal Medical is the creator and manufacturer of Laerdal
SimMan and Laerdal SimBaby, full-body simulators. www.laerdal.com

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Poster RN., PhD, FAAN Dean                 Carolyn Cason RN., PhD, Associate Dean for
poster@uta.edu                                       Research
                                                     clcason@uta.edu

                    UTA School of Nursing – UTA Box 19407 – Arlington, TX 76019-0407 –
                                    www.uta.edu/nursing - 817-272-2776
Simulation Stats:

   A landmark study in November of 1999 made headlines when it stated, “Medical mistakes kill
   between 44,000 and 98,000 hospitalized Americans a year” (Dallas Morning News) and a poll by
   the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) finds that 42 percent of people, more than 100
   million, say they’ve been affected by physician errors, either directly or through a friend or relative
   (ABC News).

   Simulation training is rapidly advancing as an important component of medical education.
   “Realistic simulators are creating a paradigm shift in education and training throughout all of
   medicine” (American Society of Anesthesiologists).

   The majority of simulation centers offer opportunities for simulator-based education to medical
   students during their anesthesia or surgery clerkships. The response has been overwhelmingly
   positive as students are able to actually implement their clinical plan, without stress to the patient
   or health care system (ASA). The American Society of Anesthesiology estimates, unanticipated
   events arise in about 20% of procedures in which anesthesia is used. Events that require vigilant
   monitoring occur at a rate of three to five percent. Human error is thought to be responsible for
   70% of adverse events during anesthesia.

   A study by Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) found that the students thought the
   simulator training stressful, but a needed part of their anesthesia training. “Although the sessions
   caused anxiety, the students felt the simulator improved their confidence level, knowledge level,
   clinical skills, critical thinking skills, and leadership skills” (Development of a Module for
   Teaching.)

   “As programs and curricula develop and as the technology continues to leap forward, the
   physiologically based patient mannequin simulator will be a cornerstone in the training of
   physicians for knowledge base, skills and practice” (ASA).

   An evaluation done by participants in Team Oriented Medical Simulations (TOM) at the University
   Hospital in Basel, Switzerland, indicated very strong acceptance of the training. Almost 90% of
   the participants reflected a high level of importance of communication and interface issues in the
   OR. “Realism of the scenario and team behavior also achieved favorable means, indicating that
   participants found not only their own behavior, but also the behaviors of other to highly resemble
   that of a real operating room” (TOMS).

   Studies show patient simulation has reduced costs and malpractice risks in the healthcare
   industry. California anesthesiologist David Gaba says his field is an example of what can be
   done. “Medical students regularly practice anesthesia on electronic mannequins, honing their
   skills before they administer drugs to patients” (ABC News).




                    UTA School of Nursing – UTA Box 19407 – Arlington, TX 76019-0407 –
                                    www.uta.edu/nursing - 817-272-2776