Students at Lethbridge College are given the opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice with the Simulated Patient Health Environment for Research and Education (SPHERE) program.

SPHERE is housed in the technologies building and spans over several labs and classrooms. The multifaceted program is used to aid students in several departments within the college.

SPHERE lab 1 is home to Simon and Simone, two high-fidelity manikins that were just installed this year.

The manikins are used to practise highly realistic patient scenarios. The new model features conscious patient characteristics such as spontaneous breathing and blinking eyes.

Though programs have been using simulation manikins for several years, the manikins are replaced regularly to ensure students have access to the latest technology.

Miranda Payne, a first-year after degree nursing student, is preparing for her first simulation test. Though she has had some practice with the new manikins, Payne said she is nervous for the test.

“It’s nerve-wracking. I mean, not as nerve-wracking as testing on a real person. But the testing environment feels pretty real, so it feels just as important,” said Payne.

Payne has been practicing for her exam by testing the blood pressure of her friends and family at home. She says the combination of real-life and simulation experience has been beneficial.

“The real-life practice is good but you can only do so much as a student that’s still learning. I’m glad to have the manikins too because there’s more room for error and learning opportunity,” said Payne.

Along with the after degree nursing program, students in the bachelor of nursing, accelerated bachelor of nursing, practical nursing, primary care paramedic, therapeutic recreation gerontology and health care aide programs will all use the manikins to enhance their hands-on training.

Though these manikins are capable of carrying out highly realistic scenarios, the SPHERE program also utilizes human volunteers.

Sheri Wright, SHERE chair and educator, says the use of both simulations gives students a more well-rounded education.

“The manikins are really great for students to learn and put the bigger pieces together, but the human scenarios prepare them for a more realistic outcome,” said Wright.

Students and staff throughout the college volunteer yearly to role-play scenarios for students. These scenarios differ from those with the manikins as they typically take place outside of the classroom in a more realistic setting.

Students have no prior knowledge of the simulated scenario they will face and have to respond in real-time. It forces them to rely on their knowledge and training, just as they will have to on the job as police officers, nurses or emergency responders.

“We have student volunteers role play the part depending on the scenario as some of our scenarios have more of a communication focus,” said Wright. “Scenarios dealing with alzheimer’s or dementia are much more impactful to students because communication is key.”

According to Wright, students within programs utilizing SPHERE are receiving a one of a kind education experience.

For more information on SPHERE or the programs that use it, visit the Lethbridge College programs page.