Using simulation to identify and resolve threats to patient safety.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The simulation-based team training used in commercial aviation can provide healthcare professionals with guidance on improving patient safety. OBJECTIVE: To show how in situ simulation can identify latent environmental threats to patient safety. STUDY DESIGN: Case study. METHODS: This in situ simulation took place at a large Midwestern hospital in January 2007. It involved a patient with chest pain and hypotension that required cardiac catheterization. The simulation had 2 phases: emergency department and catheterization laboratory. Materials included a patient manikin, a high-definition camcorder, and software for annotating the video in real time. Props (eg, simulated electroca..