Clin Sim visits new UAB physical therapy clinic

Opening a new clinic? 

There’s a system for that—well, a systems simulation, to be precise. 

This past July, UAB Clinical Simulation partnered with UAB Medicine’s ambulatory and physical therapy leadership to conduct medical emergency systems simulations prior to the opening of a new UAB community physical therapy clinic on Dunnavant Valley Road in Birmingham. 

The objective? Test the logistics of navigating a new space and the processes related to emergency medical responses, while “establishing staff roles in a medical emergency and creating a clinic emergency action plan,” said Johnitia Williams, board-certified clinical sports physical therapist and the clinic’s supervisor physical therapist. 

A group of key personnel, including physical therapists, PT assistants, rehabilitation assistants, patient access specialists and interns, participated in a series of two simulations to prepare for their incoming patients. 

Learners gathered to work through the simulated care of a patient requiring an emergency response in the clinic and adjacent gymnasium. The scenario depicted a patient displaying signs and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, which deteriorated into cardiopulmonary arrest. 

According to April Belle, director of systems simulation with UAB Clinical Simulation, the learners leapt into action and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support.  

“All participants and observers discussed and tested a plan to activate the internal emergency response protocol, to garner external support by verbalizing their process to call 911 and to transfer the patient out of the clinic,” Belle explained. 

The clinic team had identified communication and space navigation as the categories that had the highest potential for a threat to patient safety. Thanks to the simulations, staff was able to identify, discuss and plan for access to the necessary equipment. 

Specifically, Williams noted that staff members were “educated in UAB emergency procedures and understanding of each clinician’s role during an emergency.” 

“The simulation was an effective learning tool,” Williams said. “It provided an opportunity for each staff member to understand their role and how to handle similar situations. It allowed us to develop a protocol/plan that would address the specific needs of the clinic.” 

Jamie Wade, director of Outpatient Rehabilitation Services and Community Partnerships, was more than impressed with the team’s performance.

“The team at Dunnavant Valley had a great sim experience,” Wade said. “That experience helped build their team dynamic, and they are now talking about other processes they need to think through. That experience did exactly what I knew it would do.” 

Belle, too, was satisfied with the results.

“The first of its kind in the UAB Health System, this clinic will service a wide range of patients requiring physical therapy services, and we were able to collaborate and identify successes and opportunities throughout the clinic space to give our patients life-changing care.”

Interested in hosting a sim? Email simulation@uabmc.edu to learn more.

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.