Launched in July 2023, Episcopal Health Services’ simulation lab program was established through a strategic partnership with Ross University School of Medicine, supported by university investment, the St. John’s ICARE Foundation and medical school grants. Located within the system’s clinical learning center, the simulation facility spans nearly 5,000 square feet across two floors, with more than 3,700 square feet dedicated to education. The lab includes two high-fidelity simulator rooms, with one functioning as a simulated operating room, featuring advanced mannequins including Gaumard Victoria and Laerdal SimMan 3G, along with four standardized patient assessment rooms, five classrooms and a large dividable skills lab for pre-briefing and debriefing. A video capture system with 50 cameras and microphones supports robust performance review and reflective learning. The system established dedicated roles for a simulation director and coordinator before the build-out was complete, and conducted a comprehensive needs assessment to guide technology investments and program design. Within its first two years, the program delivered more than 4,000 hours of education and conducted nearly 300 simulations, serving an interprofessional audience that includes medical students, nurses, physician assistants, attending physicians and pastoral care providers. The lab aligns with the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning and Society for Simulation in Healthcare standards and has received targeted funding support, including $5,000 educational support grants from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in both 2023 and 2024 to purchase laparoscopic and pediatric airway trainers.
