A growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of simulation-based medical education as a tool to enhance the knowledge and performance of health care providers, which in turn may contribute to patient safety. Simulation strengthens confidence and promotes learning by providing a safe and supportive environment for mastering technical skills, practicing critical decision making, learning system-based practices and protocols, or developing communication and interpersonal skills.

Recognizing the strengths of simulation training and the requirements from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), Harbor-UCLA made a commitment to develop a simulation program for the campus in 2011. Under the leadership of Tom Kallay, M.D., the Simulation and Educational Resource Center for Improved Patient Safety and Outcomes has grown to service 22 departments and divisions at Harbor-UCLA. With approximately 2,000 participants annually, the Center has established itself as a multidisciplinary educational resource center dedicated to providing simulation education support to all members of the Harbor-UCLA community. Current offerings include a flexible simulation environment capable of delivering high-fidelity medical and surgical scenarios, skills training, provider certification courses, and more. Since inception in March 2011, the Center has served over 10,000 participants, and participated in research aimed at improving patient safety as well as grant supported projects. For the youth in our local community, the Center holds open houses for schools to promote career goals in health care and education.

 

The mission of the Center is to promote patient safety and improved clinical outcomes by integrating simulation technology into the current educational curriculum for all health care professionals at Harbor-UCLA. We promote a culture of camaraderie dedicated to consistent self-improvement and excellence in health care delivery, using innovative educational techniques. Everyone is welcome to drop by to see how we can assist in achieving your educational goals.

The Simulation and Skills Center at Harbor-UCLA is located on campus in building B4 North.

Center Director: Tom Kallay, M.D. – Chief, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics David Geffen School of Medicine

Laboratory Manager: Johnny DiBonaventura