Simulating the System, Optimizing the Outcome

Trust the process and perfect the system.

Systems simulation at UAB Medicine is a highly specialized area of simulation in which the focus of work is targeted toward spatial simulations, process simulations and systems testing.

This niche in simulation allows the health-care team to better understand complex systems, improve designs, predict outcomes and optimize performance without the risks and costs associated with real-world trials.

According to April Belle, director of systems simulation with UAB Clinical Simulation, the modality offers such proven benefits as error reduction, improving team dynamics, confidence building and effective feedback and reflection.

“By creating virtual representations of physical systems, engineers and decision-makers can predict performance, identify potential issues and evaluate design alternatives without the need for costly physical prototypes,” Belle said. “This approach facilitates early detection of design flaws, enhances collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and accelerates the development process, ultimately leading to more efficient and reliable products and systems.”

Through systems simulation, facilitators can focus on processes and spaces. Process sims focus on assessing processes, Belle explained, identifying strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats.

“Processes do not always translate from one location to another,” she added. “Process simulations give us an opportunity to test steps within a process, test process changes, and challenge or explore options within a process.”

Spatial simulations, on the other hand, allow stakeholders to plan for personnel, equipment and supplies within newly built, renovated and/or re-purposed spaces.

“These simulations can be used in a variety of ways,” Belle said. “We can assess a space with simulated equipment to ensure the health-care team can move freely and care for patients efficiently. We can explore room design options and solicit preferences from end-users to create functional spaces with thoughtful input from the entire team.”

Systems also facilitates in situ—or on-site—simulations, which are sim-based learning experiences integrated into actual clinical environments, involving participants who are on-duty clinical team members during their actual shift or workday.

UAB Mobile Simulation also falls under the systems umbrella. As part of the Alabama Rural Health Collaborative (ARHC), the mobile simulation lab is the only mobile lab of its kind in Alabama, helping provide health-care simulation opportunities to ARHC partner institutions in rural communities across the state.

“Systems simulation responds to the needs of our health-care teams,” Belle said.

To learn more about systems simulation, visit here. How can systems simulation work for you? Email simulation@uabmc.edu to find out.

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 “Sim First.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.