The Challenge
Having recognized that human factors underlie most medical errors, Tubingen University Hospital in Tubingen, Germany focused a broader approach to patient safety. Crisis Resource Management (CRM) training was seen as the best option to counteract the human factor threat, and simulation the obvious tool to make the deficits visible, understandable and trainable, and the means to reach the learning goals.
The Customer
Tubingen University Hospital (Universität Klinik TuPASS - UKT) is located in Tubingen, Germany.
The Solution
Tubingen Center for Patient Safety and Simulation (TuPASS) was established in 1998. Their core activities are to design and deliver simulation training for multiple users, facilitate instructor training across Europe (Train-The-Trainer courses), run national incident reporting systems, and conduct research related to patient safety, system safety, debriefing, and instructor training. Lengthy, personalized, instructor-led debriefings, team training, and in situ training are all highly focused at TuPASS. Scenarios are carefully tailored to meet each participating group’s educational needs, and thus optimize the relevance of the simulation training. TuPASS actively participates in national and international networks to further develop and promote simulation as the better training method. The 400sq meter facilities are located at the University Hospital in Tubingen, and comprise 5 multi-purpose rooms, 1 control room, and one larger room for lectures and debriefs. Training equipment currently includes 1 SimMan 3G, 2 SimMan, 2 SimBaby, 1 SimNewB, 10 PCs with MicroSim, 2 Resusci Anne Skills Station, ALS simulator (baby) and a selection of skill trainers and manikins.
The Results
Medical teams and other healthcare professionals now learn the critical elements of patient safety with simulation. The simulation training is provided in a safe, controlled environment, where the participants are exposed to a variety of clinical conditions, and with an increasing level of difficulty.
