Catholic Health Patient Safety Simulation Center

Simulation training in health care promotes patient safety and optimal outcomes by creating opportunities for staff to practice their skills using manikins, actors, computer technology, and table-top scenarios. No harm can come to real patients since they are not involved in training environments.

The Catholic Health Patient Safety Simulation Center (PSSC) in Melville has been operational since 2011. The Patient Safety Simulation Program uses innovative methods of education and training to enhance learning, improve quality of care, and reduce risks to patient safety. PSSC has provided tens of thousands of learner-hours for clinical and non-clinical staff throughout Catholic Health. 

State-of-the-art human patient simulators (manikins), computers, and audio/visual equipment are used to train staff individually or in teams with the ultimate goals of enhancing patient safety and the patient experience while supporting the best practices and staff spirit of inquiry. Simulation drills at Catholic Health facilities provide opportunities for interprofessional staff to train in their practice environments (e.g. operating rooms, post-anesthesia care units, delivery rooms, emergency departments, radiology departments, and patient units) where knowledge gaps and process imperfections are identified and addressed.

All courses provided in and supported by PSSC follow the principles of adult learning and simulation education. Learners practice and reflect on knowledge-in-action, critical thinking, decision-making, scope of practice, communication and effective team behaviors in a non-judgmental and safe training environment. All simulation cases are regularly reviewed and revised to ensure adherence to evidence-based best practices. All simulation courses are evaluated by the learners and post-course evaluations are reviewed regularly for quality assurance purposes.

Catholic Health uses simulation to:

  • Enhance patient safety
  • Promote effective interprofessional team dynamics
  • Practice procedural skills
  • Uphold the commitment to High Reliability, Zero Harm, and Patient Experience initiatives
  • Facilitate the safe and efficient deployment of the electronic health record
  • Support new leaders as they develop the abilities needed for their new roles 

First responders, community members, nursing and respiratory therapy students attend classes at the PSSC. High school students enrolled in the Health Care Exploration and Internship Program (HCEIP) or other healthcare career programs at local high schools also use PSSC. 

PSSC programs have been honored with the Catholic Health Pinnacle Award for Patient Safety and presented at international simulation conferences.