Cardiac patient simulators

Many industries have embraced simulator technology to impart knowledge and practical skills. However, the use of simulator technology in the training of doctors has been slower in development.

Simulators have been designed for specialties such as emergency care, paediatrics, and anaesthetics. Smaller ones can be used to teach specific skills, such as airway management, cannulation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.12 High fidelity manikins in simulation centres, alongside facilitated case management, videotaped scenarios, and debriefing, can develop cognitive as well as psychomotor skills in a controlled environment where error has no adverse patient consequences. This article considers simulators designed to teach cardiac examination.

Despite considerable advances in diagnostic imaging, accurate clinical examination remains important for the diagnosis of cardiological conditions.3 However, the auscultatory skills of doctors may be less well developed nowadays compared with the past.45 This could be because of less time spent teaching auscultation,6 or greater reliance on diagnostic tests such as echocardiography.7 Nevertheless accurate auscultation remains an important component of clinical medicine.

Comprehensive cardiac patient simulators include Harvey (University of Miami), Cardiology Patient Simulator “K” …