Simulation: Preparing health providers to care for populations with disabilities

The number of individuals living with a disability in the US is increasing. Research indicates Baby Boomers may increase the incidence of disability by 37%. The amputation rate for the US troops returning from the war in Iraq is twice that of past wars and as many as 20% have suffered head and neck injuries requiring lifetime care. In the past individuals with disability have suffered silently as an unnoticed or overlooked culture. Most healthcare providers have limited experience with individuals living with disabilities. This lack of encounter results in a lack of cultural competence. Following Campinha-Bacote's model, cultural competency comes through cultural encounters. Not only do healthcare providers need to be aware of the cultural of disability, they need to have cultural practice and exposure to provide appropriate, culturally sensitive, quality care.

To increase practice encounters with disabled clients in the community the learner utilizes simulation, standardized patient encounters, and an online learning environment. This online resource provides the learner with the opportunity to interact with a virtual client with a disability. The learner uses typed quires to collect data to develop a plan of care with the client. The virtual client responds to the learner through a video response. The case scenarios are based on focus group feedback and are filmed using standardized patients.

Video response - virtual simulation interactions provides the learner with a realistic repetitive interaction allowing the learner to practice in a safe environment, which enhances learning experiences and prepares for actual patient interaction.