Healthcare simulation centers often seek training programs designed to educate Simulation Operations Specialists on the key tasks associated with daily operations and maintenance. These tasks are vital to the overall operation of the clinical simulation center, and to the success of learner experiences. To provide such a program, the Winter Institute for Simulation, Education, and Research (WISER) developed the TechSim course series. TechSim Online and TechSim Onsite offer simulation specialist Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits toward re-certification of their CHSOS and CHSOS-A. This HealthySimulation.com article shares more about these courses, what materials are covered, and how medical simulation learners can enroll.
Overall, the TechSim course series covers everything A-through-Z that simulation operations specialists would need to know to keep their simulation centers running smoothly and efficiently. The program can be completed online or onsite adding a level of flexibility. Participants are able to complete the course in a way that best accommodates their schedules and personal preferences.
The online TechSim course is fully self-paced and allows the virtual course participant to navigate through content at their own pace. This 100% web-based program was created based on the suggested learnings of the Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) handbook.
Additionally, the course is intended to train individuals who are responsible for the daily operations of a sim center. Along with operational topics, WISER has included modules focused on facilitation, debriefing, and medical terminology. After the completion of each module, participants will access a quiz that can be used as a knowledge marker to assess their level of understanding.
“The curriculum plan was developed to address the industry gap in training programs for simulation center Operations Specialists,” explained Tom Dongilli, Director of Operations- Winter Institute for Simulation, Education, and Research (WISER). “The CHSOS Handbook was used as a reference, to allow training to also prepare those interested in pursuing CHSOS to be better prepared.”
Alternatively, TechSim onsite at WISER is a one and one-half day interactive training program supplemented with a self-paced online exploration of relevant topics. The onsite program provides the opportunity for one-on-one training with WISER’s CHSOS and CHSOS-A staff.
Participants will shadow the trainers and complete hands-on sessions related to repair and maintenance as well as other topics. Both courses are eligible for CPD credits by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. Topics covered during the online and onsite courses include:
- Supporting Courses
- Simulation Center Technology (AV, Simulators)
- Simulation Terminology
- Scenario Creation – Programming
- Calendar Management
- Repair and Maintenance
- Running Sim Sessions
Those interested in registering for the TechSim online course or the TechSim onsite course can do so online. For additional assistance and information about TechSim and enrollment-related questions, email WISER directly at wiserhelp@upmc.edu.
Additional WISER Clinical Simulation Courses
Simulation education courses at WISER can be browsed by participant type, CME courses, or department. Departments include anesthesiology, cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, children’s hospital, critical care medicine, biological sciences, advanced practice providers, pharmacy, internal medicine, pulmonary, allergy, and critical care medicine, emergency medicine, graduate nursing, undergraduate nursing, nursing CME, obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive services, pediatrics, rehabilitation, psychology, radiology, dental medicine, and surgery. Each department offers a number of medical simulation courses to increase knowledge and understanding pertaining to that area of study.
WISER presents a number of courses for simulation educators and administrators as well. These courses are designed to help these simulation professionals take their simulation training to the next level. These courses include:
- iSim
- Designing or Enhancing Your Simulation Center
- Facilitator Training Series: Introduction to Debriefing
- How to Run a Successful Simulation Center
- Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist Training Program (TechSim)
Additional Healthcare Simulation WISER Articles:
- WISER Medical Student Bootcamp Educates Fourth-Year Specialty-Track Learners
- DEI Call to Action: The Importance of Racial Equity Across Simulation Leadership
- The Role of Simulation: Getting WISER on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- WISER Expands, Adds Two Healthcare Simulation Satellite Centers
- Improving Simulation Instructional Methods (iSIM) Course Returns to WISER for In-Person Trainings
- WISER Launches Simulation Center Management System, SIMS 3.0
More About WISER
WISER is a world-class multidisciplinary healthcare simulation training and research facility out of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh. WISER’s mission is to conduct research and training programs utilizing clinical simulation-based education to increase patient safety at the UPMC as well as prepare future healthcare providers at the University of Pittsburgh. WISER is directed by Paul Phrampus, MD, Director, WISER, Medical Director, Patient Safety, who is also a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesiology at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine and the Medical Director of Patient Safety for UPMC.
In addition to improving patient safety, the facility is dedicated to the advancement of healthcare simulation and education to promote education, mentorship, systems design, and research to enhance the high-quality delivery of healthcare. To achieve this outcome, WISER works to enhance patient safety through state-of-the-art educational and assessment methodologies and techniques. The facility also creates innovative education programs for healthcare providers ranging from students to practicing professionals.
