Some patients are real dummies. SimMan, shown here, is a lifelike, life-size, computer-controlled teaching aid taking his cues from Jean Moore, associate professor at George Mason University's College of Nursing and Health Science. The college uses these anatomical models to simulate myriad medical conditions.
For students developing diagnostic skills and trying to speed response times, SimMan can make a challenging case. Sudden increases in blood pressure and respiration (breathing is mimicked with an air compressor) can be programmed, as can heart, lung and bowel sounds. Students also use the $30,000 models to practice placing IVs and changing dressings.
The dummies have voices that can describe vague symptoms, cry in pain, even rudely ask, "Do you really know what you are doing?" Students may not now, said Jeanne Sorrell, acting dean of the college, but they will. SimMen, she said, "really help us teach advanced clinical skills and advanced strategy."
-- Matt McMillen
