What are the leading types of carts used in healthcare simulation learning scenarios?

 

In healthcare (medical) simulation learning scenarios, a variety of carts in various simulation setups are used to mimic real-world clinical environments. The main types of carts commonly used include:

1. Medication Carts

  • Simulated medication carts closely resemble those used in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
  • They typically have:
    • Lockable drawers
    • Labeled drawers/compartments for different medications or patients
      • Stocked with medications individually organized by drawer per patient
    • Some have barcode scanning capabilities (for teaching barcode medication administration)
  • Purpose: Teach proper medication retrieval, checking the "five rights" (right patient, drug, dose, time, and route), and organizing medications.

2. Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADC) Simulators

  • Manufacturer examples: KbPort, Omnicell, TouchPoint Medical
  • Often used in nursing schools and hospitals for training scenarios.
  • Purpose: Train students to safely access medications, administer medications and document medication removal from automated systems, promoting familiarity with common clinical technology.

3. Mobile Simulation Carts

  • These may include laptops, barcode scanners, and eMAR (electronic medication administration record) simulation software.
  • Often used in combination with high-fidelity manikins or standardized participants.
  • Purpose: Provide a full medication pass simulation, including documentation and standardized participant or human patient simulator/manikin interaction.

4. Pediatric or Geriatric Specialty Carts

  • Modified carts to simulate medication administration in special populations.
  • May include mock medications in child-proof packaging or specific age-related dosing tools.

5. Procedure Carts

  • Allow learners to practice accessing supplies in a time-sensitive way, organizing tools during emergencies, and navigating real-life workflow involving equipment and medication
  • Organize and store simulation materials such as instruments, simulated medications, documentation materials, PPE, and cleaning supplies
  • Support specific skills training such as IV starts, central line care, and much more
  • Purpose: Play a crucial role in learning scenarios by supporting realistic, efficient, and organized training environments.

6. Isolation Carts

  • Add realism to infectious disease protocols by mirroring the equipment and setup that would be found in a clinical environment
  • Students learn how to properly don and doff PPE, which is vital in preventing contamination and reducing the spread of infection
  • Performance assessment: During debriefing, instructors can assess if students accessed the cart properly, choose the correct PPE for the isolation type, and maintained proper aseptic technique
  • Purpose: Play a vital role in replicating real-world infection control practices and prepare future healthcare providers for managing patients with infectious diseases.

 

Visit Pocket Nurse.com to explore the broad range of cabinets for medication management learning scenarios.