Simulator training in anesthesia growing rapidly:CAE Model Born at Stanford

Summary

Only a few years ago, there were but two patient simulator centers in North America. Now the number is growing rapidly as simulator-based training in anesthesiology is evolving to more common part of resident and CME training. A number of centers focus on crisis management training because of the perception that it offers a high potential impact on practitioners' ability to offer optimal patient care. Many variations of the original ACRM training have emerged. Other target populations besides anesthesiologists for simulator-based training have been identified and curricula are in place or under development for these populations. As new centers adopt simulator-based training, they are likely to adopt existing curricula as well as to develop new ones for their own special needs and for expanding target populations. Mechanisms are now in place by which experienced centers can assist new ones in acquiring the expertise to begin their training activities.