April 4, 2013
Practice make perfect seems to be the idea behind a program Duke University medical students are using to train to perform certain medical procedures without risking patient safety. An article from WRAL News discussed the game-based simulator and the impact it could have on the medical industry.
The tool was developed by Applied Research Associates and is played like a video game. During the course of different simulated procedures, which can range from bleeding during childbirth to repairing broken bones, participants make choices about what types of drugs and how much of those medications a patient should receive.
Course instructors are also capable of manipulating the program to create changes that force participants to make life and death choices. Data is then collected and analyzed to instruct participants on what they did right and wrong.
Experts say the program gives medical students the chance to gain experience without the risk of harming a patient. It may also prove to be effective in reducing errors a doctor could be held liable for if a North Carolina Medical Malpractice Lawsuit were to be filed against them.
The North Carolina Personal Injury Attorneys with HensonFuerst are intrigued by this technological advancement. The firm hopes it can help reduce the number of patients harmed each year by simple mistakes that are made while under the care of a physician.