UAB Clinical Simulation operates under a “sim first” philosophy that prioritizes patient safety by ensuring teams practice, refine and collaborate in realistic environments without risk of harm. In fiscal year 2024, the program leveraged a distributed model with 193 trained facilitators collaborating to develop and deliver simulations aligned to real-world care priorities, embedding simulation into clinical education and quality improvement rather than positioning it as a stand-alone function. The center deploys high-fidelity manikins, standardized patients, online and hybrid learning platforms, and immersive technologies to reveal blind spots, anticipate risks and prevent errors from reaching patients. In summer 2025, the program launched a pilot study, supported by American Heart Association grant funding, focused on improving the clarity and effectiveness of 911 dispatcher CPR instructions in Birmingham. That same year, the program expanded its “iSim” offering to create interactive, data-driven simulations using augmented reality, virtual reality and cloud-based platforms, and added virtual reality headsets to its equipment loan portfolio. The program also developed leadership-focused training, collaborating in 2025 on an immersive leadership communication simulation that guided leaders in creating psychologically safe environments.
