GOSH Inaugural Conference: Advances in Paediatrics

The CSC team presented a technology showcase at GOSH’s Advances in Paediatrics Conference, held at Goodenough College on Friday 6 October.The College’s Large Common Room was dominated by the CATS portable simulation igloo – a 4m x 4m inflatable pod where a clinical environment can be simulated. Inside was a demonstration of the centre’s newest manikin – the Gaumard Super Tory – a high fidelity neonatal simulator.

Outside the igloo, interactive stations for the SMART bagging trainer and the Orsim bronchoscopy simulator were set up for conference attendees to try out.

Leadership cameras, both our existing multi-purpose Panasonic HX-A1M and our new leadership glasses, were equipped to two fake heads and live feeds from them were broadcast on iPads, much as they would be during a simulation.

Prototypes of the Clinical Simulation Centre's (CSC’s) newest technological innovations were also showcased.

The virtual patient avatar prototype allows for more realistic facial representation on manikins during simulations. Animated images of different facial expressions can be projected onto the mask to provide a more accurate view of the patient’s emotions at the time. The unit will eventually be miniaturised until it can be implanted into a manikin’s head and be used during live scenarios.

While SEB (the Sternotomy, ECMO and Beating heart manikin) was too large to include in the showcase, a video demonstrating the realism of its innards was played on loop. The manikin has a fully operational heart and lungs powered by a repurposed ventilator and can be used to simulate surgical scenarios involving an exposed heart.

The prototype of the virtual reality centre tour was also showcased—this will be developed into a full, narrated and annotated 360 degree immersive video walkthrough of the CSC and will be used as part of a centre orientation course.

Medical lead Richard Paget delivered a speech on the importance of simulation in education, which was well-received.

Overall, the showcase was a success. Several new contacts were made and many attendees were impressed by the technology on show.

As we head into our busiest month of simulation of this year, with courses running in the centre for at least 90% of its opening hours this month, we can safely say that simulation plays an important role in education.