VGH teams came together earlier this month for a unique and complex simulation event designed to gain insight into systems issues, team dynamics and crisis resource management during patient care. This is the largest simulation event ever held within VCH and involved laboratory medicine, anesthesia, emergency medicine, trauma services, PACU, and OR at VGH.

The simulation started in the Emergency Department in the morning and moved on to the OR in the afternoon.

“By having multiple departments and multiple roles, this complex simulation provides a unique opportunity to evaluate our current systems and learn from one another,” said Dr. Nicolle Holm, VGH Emergency physician and one of several physician leaders who organized the event. “This is about communication, processes and systems resiliency. No individual is tested or assessed.”

Simulation recognized as a valuable tool for engagement and QI

Interest in simulation events continues to grow as simulation is recognized as a valuable tool for engagement and quality improvement.

Thanks to support from the Vancouver Physician Staff Association (VPSA) Facility Engagement Initiative, physicians are now funded for their time participating in simulation events. This most recent simulation was also supported by the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and VCH administration.