The latest advancements in medical training using simulators will be on show this week as the University of KwaZulu Natal’s Discipline of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) joins the global community in celebrating Healthcare Simulation Week 2023.
During this week (September 18 to 22), UKZN’s healthcare professionals who teach using hi-fidelity simulation equipment will showcase the latest advancements in medical training at the Simulated Modules in Anaesthesia and Resuscitation Training (SMART) Centre housed at IALCH.
The Centre has greatly transformed medical personnel training in South Africa.
The human patient simulators used for training at all levels of medical education are designed to eliminate any possibility of mistakes by professionals and improve on the overall safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
The SMART centre, that provides training to healthcare practitioners throughout sub-Saharan Africa boasts a variety of simulators and equipment which includes the latest simulator in ultrasound teaching – CAE Viamedix- valued at R4.5 Million.
Highlights of the week will include walk-about tours of facilities and equipment as well as a few hands-on procedures which visitors can participate in or perform – such as basic CPR manoeuvres, intubation, IV insertion and bag valve mask ventilation.
The centre will also showcase a baby simulator used in paediatric training.
The week’s activities will culminate in a demonstration and presentation by staff at the UKZN Discipline of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care. This will take place on the third floor foyer area of the hospital on Friday September 22.
The centre is also hosting parallel activities at a few other participating hospitals in KZN.
In addition to raising awareness, the University looks forward to fostering greater collaboration across the IALCH/UKZN healthcare simulation community.
UKZN provides undergraduate teaching as well as a Master of Medicine course for training specialist anaesthetists.
Members of the public and healthcare practitioners are welcome to visit the SMART centre that will be open from 9am to noon daily during this week.
