Macomb Community College deployed its Mobile Simulation Unit to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital on July 27 for the unit’s first simulation training exercise with a community partner. Parked steps from the hospital’s entrance, the unit provided the setting for stroke simulation training for approximately 30 Henry Ford Macomb healthcare professionals, including residents, members of the rapid response team and nurse practitioners.

 

The simulation was led by Dr. Jason Muir, emergency medicine physician and stroke medical co-director, and Dr. Eric Goldstein, senior staff neurologist and stroke medical co-director. Two scenarios ran simultaneously inside the unit, allowing participants to move efficiently through the training while remaining close to their clinical responsibilities. Macomb Community College also provided standardized patients, who are trained to consistently portray a specific medical condition, patient history or emotional state to create a realistic and consistent experience for learners. Hospital participants were able to practice the assessment, communication and decision-making skills required in time-sensitive medical situations.

 

According to Nara Mirijanian, dean, Health and Public Services, simulation-based training provides a safe environment where healthcare professionals can develop and refine their skills.

 

"Simulation provides a platform in which students can safely practice before applying it to an actual patient requiring care while working professionals can refine their skills," said Mirijanian.

 

According to Drs. Muir and Goldstein, the mobile unit helped provide important hands-on learning experiences to staff while working around their busy schedules and patient care duties.

 

"The convenience of it was huge," said Muir. "Residents were able to leave their clinical responsibilities, participate in the training and then return to the hospital. There really isn't any replacement for hands-on experience and having experts there to guide them and give them feedback in real time is invaluable."

 

Goldstein agreed, noting that bringing the training to the hospital reduced logistical challenges for participants.

 

"Last year there were challenges with individuals having to come over to [Macomb’s Center] campus," he said. "Having it basically in our backyard was super helpful."

 

Henry Ford Macomb Hospital has been a longtime partner of the college, previously utilizing Macomb’s immersive simulation healthcare lab on the college’s Center Campus in Clinton Township.

 

"Henry Ford Macomb Hospital is a close partner for Macomb Community College," said Mirijanian.  "They support our clinical instruction in various allied health programs and nursing. They know and trust the capabilities that we can offer on campus, and we are very excited to be able to bring quality training that meets their needs to their backyard to accommodate the busy schedules of the hospital’s clinical professionals."

 

Both Macomb and Henry Ford Macomb Hospital have expressed interest in exploring future training opportunities using the Mobile Simulation Unit. It was created to expand access to experiential learning opportunities by bringing simulation training directly to employers, schools and community partners while supporting the region's growing healthcare workforce.

For information about the Mobile Simulation Unit or to explore training opportunities, contact Macomb Community College at healthcareers@macomb.edu or 586.226.4807.

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.