How is simulated insulin used in medical simulations?

 

Simulated insulin is used in medical simulations to safely train healthcare professionals–especially nurses, doctors, and pharmacy students–on how to manage diabetes and administer insulin without using real medication or putting patients at risk. Simulated insulin is typically used as follows:

1. Skill Development and Practice

  • Injection technique: Learners practice subcutaneous insulin injections using simulated insulin and synthetic skin models or manikins.
  • Dose calculation: Learners use instructor created Sliding Scale orders and/or calculate insulin doses based on physician orders for simulated blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake, mimicking real patient scenarios.
  • Timing and types of insulin: Scenarios often involve different types (e.g., rapid-acting, long-acting) to teach about timing and effects.

2. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Simulation

  • Students use fake insulin orders in EMR systems to practice interpreting orders, documenting administration, and adjusting doses based on changing patient conditions.

3. Patient Scenario Simulation

  • Simulated insulin is used in patient care scenarios using high-fidelity manikins. These scenarios may involve:
    • Managing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
    • Responding to hypoglycemia after insulin administration
    • Handling insulin pens or pump malfunctions

4. Pharmacy Training

  • Simulated insulin products are used for compounding and dispensing exercises. These teach safe handling and labeling practices.

5. Interdisciplinary Training

  • Simulation-based team training allows nurses, physicians, and pharmacists to collaborate in real-time on insulin-related decision-making, improving communication and safety.

Pocket Nurse® provides a range of simulated insulin types under its Demo Dose® brand, plus a range of pen trainers, insulin cartridges, syringes and safety needles, and more.