Advanced technologies are having a transformational impact on the way traditional professions are taught. That is particularly true in health sciences.

Computerized patients are among the latest technological devices being used to teach clinical assessment skills to Seneca College nursing students, training them in simulated 'realistic' scenarios before they ever step inside a real hospital.

Students benefit from hands-on learning by working with life-size, anatomically-correct, computerized mannequins, which can be programmed to simulate a number of different medical scenarios from everyday procedures to emergency situations.

For instance, the mannequins can simulate normal or abnormal heart, lung and bowel sounds. Students can measure their patient's pulse and blood pressure, listen to their heartbeat and breathing, learn to assess what interventions need to occur, and can even administer medicines by injection or through intravenous drip. Critical care and emergency program students can also connect ECG leads to the mannequins and interpret the results on a patient monitor.

A camera in the room allows professors to observe their students without being physically present, significantly contributing to the students' sense of being in a real hospital.

"This really helps students integrate their textbook knowledge with their practice in a meaningful way," says Nursing Professor Donna Koroll, who manages the Centre. "It replicates real-world health situations without risk to actual patients, and can be used to teach procedures, medical concepts and decision-making skills."

The Clinical Simulation Learning Centre, located north of Toronto at Seneca's King Campus, has seven computerized patients - including a child and an infant - that are used to train students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing, Practical Nursing and the Emergency and Critical Care programs.

The computerized mannequins enable students to develop critical thinking, prioritizing and organizational skills in an environment that is both safe and effective.

Prof. Koroll says the key behind the Centre is to build students' self-confidence. "Students can learn from their mistakes. They're surer of their abilities when they leave and go on to work with live patients."

"It allows students to see 'the bigger picture', become more competent and feel more confident when moving into the clinical area."

Seneca is currently expanding the physical space and equipment in order to accommodate more students and integrate simulation into more courses.

For more information on Seneca's Clinical Simulation Learning Centre, visit www.senecac.on.ca/.