The Rush University Simulation Laboratory (RUSL) has been awarded the 2007 CHEF Leadership Award for Innovation by the Chicago Health Executives Forum, one of the largest chapters of the American College of Healthcare Executives. The award recognizes innovative and outstanding programs that foster a positive evolution in the healthcare arena in the Chicago market.

The Rush University Simulation Laboratory (RUSL), located at Rush University Medical Center, is a state-of-the-art simulation training center equipped with life-sized, computer-controlled 'virtual patients' capable of simulating nearly any possible human medical emergency including allergic reactions and the effects of biochemical agents and drug overdoses, in addition to surgical and other procedures.

"Simulation medical training offers a safe and realistic environment for clinicians to repeatedly practice clinical scenarios and team building skills without subjecting patients to risk," said Margaret Faut-Callahan, DNSc, co-director of the RUSL. "The simulators available at Rush have many life-like factors that enhance training, such as blinking eyes, exhalation of carbon dioxide, chest movements, crying, coughing, palpable pulses, and much more."

Thanks to a grant from the Chicago Community Trust, the facilities have recently been renovated and expanded into a structure that can be converted into an operating room, emergency room, or intensive care unit. Audio and video systems in the adjoining conference room and classroom enable trainees to observe teaching sessions and interact with the instructor. Most importantly, these audiovisual capabilities allow faculty to provide guided performance feedback to trainees whose simulation scenarios have been recorded.

As part of the renovation, four new simulators were added to the existing adult, child and infant simulators. The new acquisitions include a more realistic baby simulator, a laparoscopic simulator, a neonat
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Contact: Kim Waterman
Kimberly_Waterman@rush.edu
312-942-7820
Rush University Medical Center
26-Apr-2007