Medical simulation is a highly realistic form of hands-on training where a predefined medical scenario can be practised in an environment that is very similar to real life, but with the use of models or 3D imagery in place of human patients.

A simulated scenario transpires in much the same way as a real event would. Following this, a controlled debriefing time provides an opportunity for reflection on what went well and what could be improved next time.

This method of training assists clinicians and their multiprofessional teams to rehearse different scenarios and clinical procedures under controlled and realistic conditions without any risk to patients.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is renowned internationally for its work in simulation in surgery, as well as nationally and regionally for its work in simulation in paediatrics, neonatal intensive care, anaesthetics and emergency medicine.

The Trust is well equipped with simulation resources and three clinical skills laboratories open to healthcare professionals of all grades and also benefits from very close links to simulation-based research that takes place at Imperial College London. Some of the simulation equipment available at the Trust includes:
• Advanced catheterisation trainer
• Advanced venepuncture arm
• Airway management trainer
• ALS/ATLS/APLS scenario boxes
• Arterial puncture wrist
• Clinical female pelvic trainer
• CVP insertion simulator
• iSTAN adult patient simulator
• Knee for aspiration simulator
• ALS baby trainer (for neonatal CPR)
• Lumbar puncture simulator
• Megacode Kelly VitalSim (for adult CPR)
• SimBaby (advanced infant simulator)
• LapMentor II simulator (for laparoscopy simulation)
• SimMan 3G adult patient simulator
• Ventriloscope (digital synthesised stethoscope)

For more information on accessing our simulation equipment, or for information on the north-west London Health Innovation and Education Cluster’s (HIEC) collective approach to the use of simulation equipment, contact the project manager for simulation and clinical skills, Benjamin Cerezo. 

To view one of the BBC's reports on high fidelity, portable simulation being pioneered at Imperial College London, visit the BBC's Health News Archive.

For events hosted by the Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine (SESAM), visit the SESAM website.