Hello From SAIL,
Happy Spring! We hope this finds you all healthy and well. It seems a lot has changed in our world since our last newsletter.
SAIL, in an attempt to keep operations going during COVID while maintaining the highest standards of safety, has been busy providing virtual simulation experiences for our learners. By implementing these unique experiences, an unexpected benefit was the opportunity to re-examine our work through a different lens. We discovered these simulations actually encouraged learners to implement a heightened awareness of communication. Though we are excited to get back to in-person simulation programming, we are also thrilled to explore how to create new, innovative simulations using the knowledge gained during our COVID experience!
SAIL continues to be dedicated to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion dialogue. We are exploring how simulation can be used as a tool in facilitating these crucial conversations. Currently we are also developing a new hiring model to address diversity in our recruitment. We will have more details soon!
And finally, SAIL is releasing its own podcast series, “BS- Beyond Simulation.” Each month, this unique program will offer a glimpse into some of the most influential simulation professionals’ lives and figuring out what really makes them tick. This is the "behind the music" podcast for the world of simulation.
Stay safe!
Christine Park, MD, Director SAIL
Robert Kiser, Associate Director SAIL
DEI
SAIL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all of our programs.
Our simulations represent a broad spectrum of patient populations, but there is always room for improvement. In order to increase representation, SAIL is examining the names used for cases, and making sure our case demographics, as well as hiring choices, match those of our community. SAIL has an upcoming “How to be an SP” class which will be targeted to under-represented populations. The hope is that this class will encourage and better prepare a broader range of applicants for SP positions. Skin tone on manikins is another area that SAIL is looking to in order to expand DEI, making sure we have a range of tones. SAIL is also in the early planning stages of focus groups with local patients to ensure our cases reflect their lives accurately.
Recent events in the news bring the issues of DEI even more to the forefront. We challenge every person to think about what they can do to move the conversation forward.
ACTS of GOODNESS
SAIL’s Vision Statement states, “We are interested in EVERYTHING that contributes to uplifting the health of our community.”
As a way to address the emotional and psychological toll of these challenging times, this past February, SAIL began an “Acts of Goodness” project. Following the example of others who strive to perform acts of goodness, SAIL created a Google Document as a space to share positive actions people have done or have benefited from.
The entries so far have been inspiring and uplifting, sharing stories like helping and being helped during the intense snowstorm last February, assisting folks in quarantine, and helping those experiencing homelessness.
If you have something you’d like to share, or would like to be inspired by other’s posts, the link to the document is: Acts of Goodness
Congratulations to Tanja Barac, Alba Woolard, and Ben Kass for their new roles at SAIL!
We are pleased to announce that Tanja Barac has accepted the role of Assistant Director of Technology Based Simulation.
Tanja Barac began her career with the Graham Clinical Performance Center in 2015 as a Skills Instructor and Operations Specialists. In 2018 she became a Simulation Technology Coordinator. Tanja’s clinical history includes emergency medicine and general healthcare. She is passionate about interprofessional education and is a strong advocate for simulation in the healthcare setting.
Alba Woolard has also accepted an expansion of her role as SAIL’s Liaison to UI’s other simulation programs.
Alba Woolard has been working in Healthcare Simulation since 2008, when she started as a Standardized Patient. Since then, she has worked in many capacities in simulation. From training standardized patients in varying case presentations, to developing workshops for practicing providers, to presenting internationally on communication in a healthcare setting, Alba has a passion for improving healthcare through the use of standardized patients and simulation technology.
We are also happy to announce that Ben Kass has been added as a Human Based Simulation Coordinator.
Ben Kass has worked in simulation since 2013. Ben’s previous roles at SAIL have been as a Standardized Patient, Office Assistant, and Undercover VA Project Coordinator.
Congratulations are in order to John Colagrossi on completing the Service Activity Advanced Certification of the Business Administration Certification Program (BACP)! The Service Activity Certification is a course that covers how university self-supporting entities (like SAIL) operate under University, State, and Federal laws, this includes budgets, determining overhead rates, charges for services and much more.
TECHNOLOGY-BASED SIMULATION (TBS)
First Death… Quiet on the set!
SAIL recently took manikin simulation to the big screen. Still having to manage and work around COVID restrictions and occupancy numbers, we knew that hosting “First Death” in person would not be possible this spring. We want to thank everyone that helped put this production together. Big shout out to Dr. Park and Bob for their direction and script writing, the cast for doing what they do best, KBH Media, and Tanja for her epic stage-managing skills. (She might start a side gig, if you’re looking for a stage manager.)
Current remote and in-person programs
All skills training, PPE training, and skills assessments will remain in-person.
We have been cleared to begin re-phasing some manikin simulation back into the center. We still have to maintain all COVID regulations and abide by all the COVID occupancy numbers. It is our utmost priority to make sure that our staff is safe and has all the necessary PPE. We have cautiously assessed our programs and will begin slowly re-introducing the following programs in April:
- Emergency Medicine Conference
- GME Pediatric
- M4 Emergency Medicine Clerkship
- M4 Anesthesia Clerkship
All other manikin simulation still remains virtual via Zoom.
- M3 Pediatric Clerkship
- M3 Surgery Clerkship
- Global Health
Upcoming programs
- GCE Procedural Skills Assessment is still cancelled this year.
- Resident Procedural Skills Assessment and PPE training will begin in June.
- We’re excited to see College of Nursing Acute Care NP students are returning for skills training this summer
New Clients… Keep ‘em coming!
It’s exciting to see that TBS is getting more and more attention. Since our last newsletter, we have taken on a handful of new clients all interested in skills training and manikin simulation. We want to thank all of our instructors, technicians, and SPs who have made it possible for us to continue taking on new clients. We cannot wait to see what’s in store once we fully reopen.
Welcome to the team:
- UIH Emergency Medicine Pediatric Skills Training
- GME IM Central Line Training
- UIH Resuscitation Training
- UIH Vaccine Injection Training
Transportation
Technical-Based Simulation will soon be acquiring a vehicle to transport staff and supplies from the center to the UI Medical center for in-situ simulations. The new vehicle, named Bigfoot, has 48 volts of solid-state battery hauling up to 3,000 pounds of people and simulated people at a max speed of 15 miles per hour. The cargo cab has been specially designed to carry at least one simulated patient safely on a standard ambulance stretcher as well as at least 2 staff members. This is a marked improvement to staff transporting people and equipment by hand across Roosevelt Road.
Human Based Simulation (HBS)
What’s happening in Human Based Simulation?
To say it’s been busy is an understatement!
In-person instruction is gradually returning to SAIL. Students and faculty alike are thrilled to be able to work with SPs again IN PERSON – especially to practice physical exam skills. All programs are complying with COVID safety precautions (more on that in the Coronavirus Safety Section of the newsletter). Everyone entering SAIL must mask up and be current on their saliva tests and UIC Healthchecks.
Current and upcoming in person projects include:
- M1 Pulmonary Workshop
- Physical Exam refreshers
- M2 Core Exam
- M1 Abdominal Workshop
- MUTA/GTA Workshop
Remote simulations are still occurring and there is no projected date for them ending. The telehealth landscape has forever been changed by this pandemic and SAIL is evolving with this new reality. We continue to assess when and if to bring remote simulations back to the SAIL center. Most of our remote projects will remain remote through the end of this academic year. Some might even continue remotely into the next academic year!
- M1 History Taking Exam
- M3 Psychiatry Clerkship Exam
- M3 Internal Med Clerkship Exam
- GME Peds
- M3 GCE
- M1 Synthesis
CORONAVIRUS SAFETY AT SAIL
As we all move towards returning to in-person instruction, it is important to remember that COVID 19 continues to be threat and precautions remain in place.
Everyone entering SAIL must wear a mask.
As of 2/8/21, COVID-19 saliva testing is required for all faculty, staff, and students participating in on-campus activities. COVID testing is available for all UIC students at staff, free and on campus. Appointments may be scheduled online at: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/UICSalivabasedCOVIDTesting@UIC365.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/
Walk-in testing is also available. If you have questions about the testing you can contact covid-testing@uic.edu
You must also complete a UIC Healthcheck COVID-19 Self Monitoring Survey by going to: https://go.uic.edu/dailypass
If you are visiting SAIL, you may also be screened in the Mile Square lobby. You will also have the opportunity to complete the Healthcheck by scanning the code in the lobby of SAIL with your phone.
All who enter the center at SAIL must complete a University Healthcheck COVID-19 Self Monitoring Survey and show proof that they have completed a COVID 19 saliva test within the past two weeks.
When you arrive at SAIL, you will be asked to show the status of your screenings on your phone to a SAIL staff member. (If your status is “yellow” or “red” in either the saliva testing or UIC Healthcheck, you will be allowed to participate in your project at the center, but asked to complete the requirements asap.)
If you have any questions, please email jcola@uic.edu or your project coordinator before arriving at SAIL.
Let's keep looking forward toward the horizon for bright skies and steady waters!
Curated, Created, and Collaborated on by: Amy Binns-Calvey, Edward Fraim, and Lynda Shadrake
Simulation and Integrative Learning Institute
Department of Medical Education
University of Illinois College of Medicine
1220 South Wood Street, 5th floor (MC/951)
Chicago, IL 60608
312-413-8030