American Society of Anesthesiologists and CAE Healthcare Launch Next Generation in Virtual Simulation Training with Anesthesia SimSTAT

CHICAGO & MONTREAL – The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and CAE Healthcare today announced the release of the final two training modules of Anesthesia SimSTAT, their first of its kind virtual simulation program.  The new modules, designed for the PACU and labor and delivery unit, are the last in a suite of five innovative training modules designed to enhance physician anesthesiologists’ management of anesthesia-related emergencies and improve patient outcomes.

“Until now, high fidelity, scenario-based simulation training for physician anesthesiologists was only available in-person, at select simulation centers. However, with SimSTAT we can get this training by using a computer at the office or home any time,” said ASA President Mary Dale Peterson, M.D., FASA. “It is critical that we continue to explore how we use technology to better practice procedures and manage or avoid emergencies before they happen in the operating room (O.R.), PACU or labor and delivery unit.  Innovative technology like Anesthesia SimSTAT, that improves physicians’ training, can save lives.”

Inspired by gaming platforms, Anesthesia SimSTAT breaks new ground in on-demand, virtual learning for anesthesia, patient monitoring and managing emergencies. Realistic 3-D graphics and audio create a virtual environment that gives physicians control of medical equipment, the ability to work with a responsive interprofessional medical team, and provides performance feedback, while working on a responsive patient. The five training modules include: Trauma, Appendectomy, Robotic Surgery, PACU and Labor and Delivery. 

The first three modules have been available for over a year and use a computer interface to put the user in a fully functioning virtual O.R. environment, while the latest modules, PACU and Labor and Delivery, introduce two new learning environments. The varied learning environments cover a broad range of perioperative spaces physician anesthesiologists practice in.

By completing all five modules, physician anesthesiologists can earn 25 MOCA 2.0^® Part 4 points, fulfilling five years of continuing medical education (CME) requirements.

“We have released a comprehensive set of Anesthesia SimSTAT modules. We are seeing global interest from anesthesia societies and other customers that recognize the value in screen-based simulation for physicians,” said Rekha Ranganathan, president of CAE Healthcare. “This platform enables easier delivery and higher retention, also provides data that will allow us to continuously improve how we deliver clinical education to make learning more personalized, adaptive.”

Since the launch of the first module, Anesthesia SimSTAT – Trauma, user response for the technology has been positive, with 88 percent of learners reporting they were “satisfied with the  overall value in helping to improve their professional effectiveness” and 87 percent stating they would “recommend it to other colleagues.” Additionally, regarding user satisfaction about the usefulness of the information in the course, it received a score of 92 percent.

To learn more or to view a short video demo, visit www.asahq.org/simulation.

About American Society of Anesthesiologists

Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 54,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology. ASA is committed to ensuring physician anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of patients before, during and after surgery to provide the highest quality and safest care every patient deserves. For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org. To learn more about the role physician anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount. Like ASA on Facebook, follow ASALifeline on Twitter.

About CAE Healthcare
CAE Healthcare offers cutting-edge learning tools to healthcare students and professionals, allowing them to develop practical experience through risk-free simulation training before treating real patients. CAE Healthcare's full spectrum of simulation solutions includes surgical and imaging simulation, curriculum, the LearningSpace audiovisual and center management platform and highly realistic adult, pediatric and baby patient simulators. Today, approximately 12,500 CAE Healthcare simulators and audiovisual solutions are in use worldwide by medical schools, nursing schools, hospitals, defense forces and other entities. www.cae.com/healthcare

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