Sim-Patient
Video: Simulated Humans for Health-Related Training
Scientists at RTI are leading the research and development of modeling and simulation technologies including the development of virtual humans. Sim-Patient™ (for "simulated patient") uses high-fidelity scenarios to improve pre-hospital, primary, and emergency care by enhancing problem-based medical education, training, and practice.
We carefully design each scenario and virtual patient to meet specific learning objectives for medical personnel and provide linkages to accompanying didactic content. Users of the software are presented with case-based scenarios comprising a 3D scene, an incident that produces trauma or other medical conditions, and up to nine patients. Learners navigate through the environment to survey the scene, determine the number of casualties, and the extent of injuries by interacting and conversing with the virtual patients.
Providers also apply medical devices, administer medications, monitor diagnostic data, and perform treatment interventions before evacuating the wounded to definitive care facilities by managing the use of aeromedical or ground transport resources. No other patient simulation offers the functionality and depth of experience that Sim-Patient provides.
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In addition to Sim-Patient, our researchers developed responsive virtual human technology (RVHT) to help fill the gap in current medical training programs. Our innovative research integrates 3D virtual reality, physiological simulation, medical protocols, multimedia content, and caregiver/patient dialogue in real-time, interactive, and engaging training scenarios (see Virtual Standardized Patient™).
Sim-Patient Programs
- Chamberlain's Challenge: Tactical Trauma Triage Trainer is designed to enhance the medical assessment and management skills of military and civilian providers who are responsible for treating blast injuries in an austere environment.
- Mass Casualty Triage Trainer prepares health care providers to manage multiple cases simultaneously as they would during a response to large-scale incidents, such as a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or disease outbreak.
- VirtualClinic trains clinicians to recognize rare diseases with bioterrorism potential. Using this software, clinicians can practice diagnostic skills with 3D, interactive, standardized patients exhibiting signs and symptoms associated with infectious diseases.
- Self-Aid/Buddy-Aid provides first-aid training and interactive 3D practical skills exercises for soldiers.
- Chemical Agent Casualty Simulation enables users to practice assessment and care of patients suffering from chemical agent exposure, including multi-casualty triage.
- Distance Learning for Critical Care Nurses, delivered via the Web, engages users in step-by-step practice of procedures and skills such as intravenous set-up and transducer set-up, applying defibrillator electrodes and operating the defibrillator, and operating an electrocardiography monitor.
- JustTalk allows law enforcement officers to engage in dialog with a consumer showing signs of mental illness and to practice strategies for interviewing these individuals and de-escalating potentially explosive interactions.
- Informed Consent lets health researchers practice answering typical questions about informed consent posed by potential research participants.
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