Simulation to Standardize Patient Care and Maintain Procedural Competency

Simulation-based training is a means to teach procedural skills and to help advanced practice providers maintain procedural competency and credentialing. There is growing recognition of the importance of requiring providers to demonstrate competency of invasive procedures in a simulated environment prior to performing these high-risk procedures on patients. This article describes the development and implementation of the Simulation Procedural Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center. In addition to contributing to the education of our providers, such a program can lead to improved patient quality, safety, and outcomes through the standardization of patient care. The innovative use of simulation can lead to effective heath care education and improvement in patient safety.