Simulation training for new specialist cardiac doctors to improve their skills with heart procedures continues to thrive at the Trust.
Eastbourne DGH is one of only eight approved hospitals in the United Kingdom to offer doctors the opportunity to learn and practice procedures in a simulated situation using high-tech mannequins and IT training devices. Over the past few years, the programme has expanded significantly, with additional training stations incorporated to allow more hands-on experience in a controlled environment.
Professor Nikhil Patel, Consultant Cardiologist and Course Director said: “We are delighted to continue delivering this vital training for cardiac doctors. We are proud that Eastbourne DGH remains one of a handful of hospitals in the UK selected to be involved in this programme.”
“Simulation training has been around a long time in the aviation industry and is now integral in medical training. This training uses high-tech mannequins and simulators to help resident doctors learn and develop their technique so that they are safe and prepared before they perform these procedures on patients.
The simulation training covers human factors incorporating team working within emergency scenarios.
There are also the advanced cardiac skills, coronary angiography (examining blood vessels using X-ray), pacemaker implantation procedures and cardiac echocardiography (ultrasound).
Dr Hiten Patel Commented: “The feedback we have received from the British Cardiac Society on our course, as well as from the trainees themselves, continues to be extremely positive. We are grateful to our Postgraduate centre, the resuscitation team and our current cardiac team who have supported us in delivering this course.”
The British Cardiovascular Society mandates that all cardiology trainees should undertake a course incorporating simulation-based training before, or very early on in their cardiology career.