Sim Room of Errors returns for Quality Week

In health care, there’s plenty of room for error—which is why UAB Clinical Simulation reprised its Sim Room of Errors for Quality Week 2024.

As part of Quality Week, which ran Oct. 21-25, the Sim Room of Errors is an interactive simulation experience open to all members of UAB Medicine, wherein participants could informally drop by the UAB Clinical Simulation lab in Jefferson Tower to identify simulated patient safety errors that could negatively impact patient care.

New for 2024, Clin Sim released a virtual version of the Room of Errors, allowing learners to participate via their computers or smart devices. 

The rooms were divided into two sections—in-patient and ambulatory, each with its own unique set of errors, ranging from the obvious (a urine specimen left on a food tray) to the more subtle (no initials on a dressing). Visitors were tasked with identifying the errors in both. 

“I think it’s a great opportunity and a fun way for staff to test their knowledge of all the things that could put a patient at risk,” sepsis coordinator Trevor Purter, R.N., said.

And that includes all staff, even non-clinical members. 

“Not having a clinical background, I thought it was really interesting,” said Amy Stone, project manager in the patient safety department. “It highlights issues I wouldn’t necessarily have looked for otherwise. We’re all a part of the care team, so if I walk into a room and see something, I can do something about it or alert somebody who’s able to do something about it.”

Although the physical Sim Room of Errors closed upon the conclusion of Quality Week, the virtual Room of Errors remains open. To participate, visit here. 

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.