Cath Lab Skills sim boosts confidence, patient safety 

How do you get to UAB Hospital’s cath lab? 

Practice, practice, practice. 

UAB Clinical Simulation’s cath lab skills simulation offers learners a psychologically safe environment in which to familiarize themselves with cath lab equipment, including sheaths and manifold, by learning and then repeatedly practicing how to manipulate each tool properly—and safely.  

“Safety of our patients is always our top priority, and this sim allows our trainees to be more involved in cath lab procedures without compromising safety,” said Joanna Joly, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in cardiovascular disease and associate program director of the Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology Fellowship Program.  

“We find that practice, practice, practice in a low-stress, low-stakes environment can help prepare them for the real thing by giving them—and their faculty educators—confidence that their technique is correct and safe.” 

Joly recently facilitated such a simulation with her heart failure fellows. 

“We host this at the beginning of the year, so they can continue working on these new skills throughout the year with us and again at the end of the year,” she said. “The end-of-year session serves as one last, dedicated opportunity for them to hone these skills before they move on to their general cardiology fellowships. It is always impressive, and especially powerful for the trainees, to witness the progress they have each made in their short time with us. It is a proud moment.” 

Through simulation, Joly said, learners gain practical experience, while patients, in turn, receive the best possible care. “It’s a win-win,” she added. 

To inquire about how simulation can benefit your own team or department, email simulation@uabmc.edu.   

UAB Medicine’s Clinical Simulation program offers opportunities for individuals and teams across UAB Medicine and beyond to practice before they deliver care. We encourage all who provide and support patient care to “SimFirst.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.