Palliative Care - Interactive Patient Care Simulation

Palliative Care - Interactive Patient Care Simulation
University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
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Product ID: 18569

Abstract: 

This product is part of the GeriaSims series of interactive patient care simulations. In this simulation, learners ask history questions, perform virtual physical exams, order tests, consult with specialists and other health care professionals, and make decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and other issues in the care of an elderly patient with terminal cancer, and receive feedback about all actions and decisions. Learners may also ask questions of a simulated mentor to access didactic information about palliative care. Depending on the learner's level of experience and interest, the simulation takes one to two hours to complete.

GeriaSims interactive patient care simulations are available online, both to accredited medical education institutions for use with students, residents, and fellows. For more information about the GeriaSims series, go to http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/igec/resources-educators-professionals/g....

GeriaSims are also available to practicing physicians, physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners for CME or CEU credit. To receive continuing education credit, you must register for the Geriatric Lecture Series. For more information, go to http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/igec/e-learning/geriatric-lecture-series....

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Educational objectives: 

GeriaSims are interactive experiences during which the learner diagnoses and treats simulated patients. The simulations are designed to provide interactive learning experiences about geriatric syndromes and other issues that are often encountered in the primary care of elderly patients. Learners will be able to improve their overall knowledge about managing common geriatric syndromes; understand the unique health care needs of older patients, differences in the management of common clinical conditions, and how physiologic changes associated with aging impact management. They will develop a working knowledge of important legal and ethical issues associated with end-of-life care; and understand and apply principles of the multi-disciplinary geriatric assessment.

The learning objectives of this particular simulation are:

  1. Perform a proper assessment of a patient in pain.
  2. Deliver "bad news" effectively and compassionately.
  3. Appropriately prescribe medications for control of pain and non-pain symptoms.
  4. Explain the basics of hospice care.
  5. Counsel a patient on advance directives.
  6. Manage a complex patient over the telephone.
  7. Address the common challenges encountered in the care of the imminently dying patient.
Additional information/Special implementation requirements or guidelines: 

These simulations were developed using a software template created by the University of Iowa. They are used in primary care residency programs and rotations for medical students in the clinical years at the University of Iowa, and also offered online for CME credit.

To use GeriaSims, a 256K or faster DSL, cable modem, LAN/Intranet, or other broadband Internet connection; Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Netscape 8.0 or higher, Firefox 1.0 or higher, Mozilla 1.7.5 or higher, or Safari 1.3 or higher web browser, with Java script enabled; version 8 or later of the Flash Player; and Adobe Reader 5 or later are required. A sound card and speakers are recommended. GeriaSims are best viewed at a screen resolution of 1024 x 768, but can be viewed at 800 x 600.

Date posted: 
Fri, 08/21/2009
Date last updated: 
Fri, 08/21/2009
CME credits available: 
Yes
Has this product been peer reviewed?: 
Yes
If yes, where was it peer reviewed?: 
MedEd Portal
Learning resource types: 
Authors: 
Dr. Richard Dobyns
Jeffrey Spiess
NLM Citation:
Dobyns, R and Spiess, J. Palliative Care - Interactive Patient Care Simulation. POGOe - Portal of Geriatric Online Education; 2009 Available from: http://www.pogoe.org/productid/18569
APA Citation:
Dobyns, R and Spiess, J. (2009). Palliative Care - Interactive Patient Care Simulation. POGOe - Portal of Geriatric Online Education. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from http://www.pogoe.org/productid/18569