Background

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has partnered with CAE Healthcare to develop a 3D virtual learning environment to create an immersive and meaningful educational experience. Guided by ASA clinical education expertise and CAE’s simulation expertise, a series of modules have been developed to assist members with improved performance in the management of anesthesia emergencies.

Case Report

The scenarios include realistic diagnostic and monitoring equipment and medical instruments. The modules include OR, OB, and PACU scenarios. Each virtual patient will include CAE’s modeled physiology engine that responds automatically to treatments, interventions and the administration of medication based on underlying medical conditions. The 3D environment includes: 

•	Virtual patients with unique realistic diseases based on models that respond appropriately to clinical interactions.
•	A full complement of interactive anesthesia-related equipment, and monitors with live physiologic data and waveform tracings.
•	Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling of medications and intravenous fluid administration.

Discussion

Our needs assessment shows that one of the most beneficial uses for implementing this type of methodology is physicians are finding it most challenging to find enough time to travel frequently to a simulation center. There is a general lack of unfamiliarity with the simulation equipment, nervousness, and lack of confidence in being judged in having to perform in front of their peers in the simulation environment. Initial feedback on the screen-based simulation program is that the format allows the clinicians to practice or attempt multiple types of scenarios on their own time and in the privacy of their own environment. 

References

1.	Gaba DM, Howard SK, Flanagan B, Smith BE, Fish KJ, Botney R: Assessment of clinical performance during simulated crises using both technical and behavioral ratings. Anesthesiology 1998; 89:8-18

2.	McGaghie WC, Issenberg SB, Cohen ER, et al. Does simulation-based medical education with deliberate practice yield better results than traditional clinical education? A meta-analytic comparative review of the evidence. Academic Medicine 2011;86(6):706-11.

Learning points

-Discuss preparation of an educational needs assessment to identify the early adopters of new technologies.

-Identify training gaps that could be satisfied through the integration of immersive 3D environments with a comprehensive physiology/pharmacology model.

3D screen-based simulation: a journey in transforming continuing education in anesthesiology