The Clinical Simulation Laboratory at the University of Vermont has been accredited by two prestigious simulation societies: a three-year accreditation as a Comprehensive Accredited Education Institute (AEI) from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and a five-year accreditation from the Society of Simulation in Health Care (SSH). As a Comprehensive ACS-AEI, UVM’s Clinical Simulation Lab joins an international network of 81 distinguished institutes and is only one of nine SSH accredited simulation institutes recognized at the highest level.
The Clinical Simulation Lab (CSL) was recognized for this accomplishment at a reception at the 2016 IMSH Society for Simulation in Healthcare meeting in San Diego, Calif. on January 19, and will be recognized at the 9th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of ACS-Accredited Education Institutes March 7 to 8, 2016 in Chicago, Ill.
During the accreditation review process, says UVM CSL Director of Simulation Education and Operations Cate Nicholas, Ed.D., M.S., P.A., UVM’s Simulation Lab was noted to have several strengths, including its long-standing Standardized Patient program; a high level of collaboration among the educational and health services organizations; robust clinical skills assessment programs; and unique community outreach programs, including a clinical training program to address human trafficking in Vermont.
Executive Director Ted James, M.D., F.A.C.S., professor of surgery, says that as an accredited institute, the Clinical Simulation Laboratory at UVM is recognized by the international community of simulation educators as a center of excellence.
“This benefits the larger healthcare community, and provides opportunities to collaborate and share best practices with other centers at the forefront of simulation-based education and clinical skills training,” says James, who adds that the recognition also helps better position the UVM CSL to attract and retain the highest caliber of faculty, staff and learners and provides a competitive edge for grant funding. “Together, this strengthens our ability to provide health care professionals with the clinical skills required to deliver the best possible care to every patient, every time,” he says.