Global Health Science Program: Transforming learning through innovative simulation spaces at HSERC

Discover how the College of Health Sciences’s Global Health Science Program is revolutionizing international healthcare education with immersive, real-world simulations at the Health Sciences Education and Research Commons.

In the Global Health Science Program at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, students train in ultra-realistic settings where they work with lifelike mannequins, enact real-world scenarios with skilled actors, and immerse themselves in realistic care environments, preparing for the complexities of tomorrow's healthcare challenges.

Emily Wong, a participant in the program, shares, "This summer program has given me a taste of how medical students learn in Canada and provided me valuable opportunities to visit different departments and facilities in hospitals of Alberta.”

A key factor for the programs success is the interdisciplinary learning and cultural exchange, enhanced by the innovative simulation spaces at HSERC. "We collaborate with all of the health-care faculties here on campus,” says Petra Duncan, a simulation educator at HSERC. “This includes medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and with other universities and colleges in areas like veterinary medicine and dentistry.”

Realism in simulation using standardized patients

With a background in theatre and standardized-patient training, Duncan emphasizes the diversity and realism of HSERC's simulation experiences. "We use various types of simulation, including standardized patients, high-fidelity mannequins and advanced environments like the Smart Condo," she explains.

"I've been in theatre since I was young," says Duncan. “After moving from England, I joined the Walterdale Theatre Company. The person running the standardized-patient program reached out to the theatre company, looking for actors to portray standardized patients. These actors perform various roles, including interviews, history-taking and physical examinations.”

“I was a standardized patient for about 10 years. I would come in during the evenings and weekends, and if I wasn't working, I would come in during the day to portray different roles. In an interview for the campus newsletters, I joked that I had probably broken every bone in my body and experienced every disease imaginable through my work as a standardized patient.”

Duncan’s acting background now enriches the simulation scenarios for GHSP students. Standardized patients offer real-time feedback to learners, helping them improve their clinical and interpersonal skills. “In GHSP, we use mannequins on loan from other colleagues and departments for clinical skills and standardized patients for communication practice, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience,” she says.

Utilizing high-fidelity mannequins

Duncan's role has evolved significantly since she began as a trainer for standardized patients in 2008. “One of the things I like to do is work with departments and faculties to figure out the best modes of simulation to use," she says. This tailored approach ensures that each educational scenario is as effective and realistic as possible.

In scenarios requiring injection practice, a standardized patient might be positioned in a bed with a fake arm beside them. “This allows students to practice injections without causing discomfort to the patient,” says Duncan.

"I once spoke with a paramedic who shared that the first time he delivered a real baby was in a public washroom on his first day on the job. Until then, he had only practiced with a simulator," recalls Duncan. "However, his simulation training made all the difference in his ability to handle the real-life situation."

HSERC’s high-fidelity mannequins simulate a range of medical conditions. They can blink, bleed, have a pulse and even simulate a heart attack, providing students with hands-on experience in a safe setting. “They enable students to practice technical skills that are critical in real-world clinical settings,” says Duncan.

The impact of simulation spaces on international students

"In the Smart Condo, we've run various scenarios," Duncan explains. "These range from home visits by social workers to emergency responses for falls or medication non-compliance. The space features adaptive elements like adjustable shelves and a lift system, making it ideal for practicing scenarios with individuals who have mobility issues."

Another unique space is the Specialty Care Suite, equipped with bariatric empathy suits. "These suits allow learners to experience the physical limitations and challenges faced by individuals with obesity," Duncan shares. "GHSP students love this room! For many international students, especially those from cultures where obesity is less prevalent, this experience is eye-opening."

Duncan emphasizes the importance of these simulations for international students, saying "Many of the participating universities do not have their own simulation centres. They find it exciting that we can offer the opportunity to practice skills and immerse students in this unique learning environment.” 

Immersive four-day simulation training and cultural exchange

Over four days, students engage in a variety of simulation activities, including mock Objective Structured Clinical Examinations and interactions with standardized patients. These exercises are designed to familiarize students with the Canadian health-care system and clinical practices, bridging the gap between their home country's medical protocols and those in Canada.

Reflecting on her experience, Wong shares, “My most memorable part was the surgical sim day, where most of the students could dive into cutting-edge technology like laparoscopy and augmented reality. As a medical student interested in integrating medicine and technology, this program has inspired and enlightened me with new insights on how to combine technology with medical practice.”

Duncan adds, “When I speak with the students, it's fascinating to learn about the differences in health care between their countries, like China and Japan, and ours. Some students come to us being very serious and clinical. I introduce them to various activities to help them loosen up and become more communicative. By the end of it, they're laughing and smiling, really coming out of their shells. It's wonderful to watch this transformation.”

Student success and the future of simulation education

The feedback from GHSP students has been overwhelmingly positive. Duncan shares, "They absolutely love the program and what we do here at HSERC. The program not only enhances their understanding of the Canadian health-care system but also improves their English and communication skills.” These experiences are crucial for students, particularly those from non-English-speaking countries, as they prepare for careers in health care.

Duncan's ultimate goal is for simulation education to become an integral part of health-care training worldwide. "Simulation is such an important part of the curriculum," she says. By expanding GHSP and incorporating diverse international perspectives, the College of Health Sciences aims to lead the way in innovative, immersive health-care education.