Clinical simulation is a versatile, interactive and innovative educational methodology aimed at improving knowledge, clinical performance, confidence levels of students and health professionals, and supporting the practice of multidisciplinary team medicine. Simulation-based training provides an opportunity to learn and practise in a safe, realistic and predictable environment without putting any actual patients at risk.

A walk through the simulation centre feels like entering a hospital within the hospital, with every detail of the environment matching what is found in the actual hospital, from signage to doorways to flooring, electrical outlets, lighting, in addition to the equipment found in each of the rooms. The simulation centre at Hospital da Luz Lisboa contains 11 advanced simulation rooms, four debriefing rooms, advanced technology, and a team of simulation experts … a high-fidelity environment. With these resources, different contexts of clinical practice from simple to high complexity can be recreated incorporating the specialised equipment found in patient rooms, operating theatres, urgent care, ICU, delivery rooms, and outpatient consultation offices, among others.

Robotic assets

Among the most fascinating features of the simulation centre are the more than 100 simulators and high-fidelity robotic mannequins who work to provide many scenarios for clinicians to manage. These mannequins are truly lifelike, from the touch of their skin to their temperature, sounds and reactions. For example, Paediatric Hal is the most advanced paediatric patient simulator in the world.

Among the most fascinating features of the simulation centre are the more than 100 simulators and high-fidelity robotic mannequins who work to provide many scenarios for clinicians to manage

With Paediatric Hal, we can direct his gaze, manifest realistic emotions through facial expressions, movement and speech, and simulate multiple disease conditions. Pediatric Hal supports the practice of various clinical cases and advanced techniques accurately using real monitors and sensors.

Another robotic mannequin, adult SimMan 3G ASL 5000, enables advanced individual training and multidisciplinary team training in complex scenarios. This model can recognise drugs automatically, display pupillary reflex, and breathes spontaneously. It supports practice in several techniques in critical situations. It can be connected to a ventilator and is useful for training in anaesthesia, intensive care, emergency medicine, pneumology, and respiratory care. Additional complete mannequins include newborns, older babies, and pregnant women.

There are also virtual reality simulators for practising different specific techniques such as in echography. One such simulator (VR), allows for repetitive practice of echography using over 100 cases from real patients’ exams. It includes two probes, cardiac and abdominal, with an examination area extending from the clavicle to the pelvis. With functionality to train students in the identification of cardiac anatomy during echocardiography, they practise observing and positioning the probe in relation to a virtual 3D image of the heart in real time. Doppler features are included to work with precise quantitative assessments as well. Other VR simulators are dedicated to Laparoscopy, Endoscopy, Cardiology and Interventional Radiology, and Neurosurgery.

Accelerating learning and innovation

The Hospital da Luz Learning Health simulation centre at Hospital da Luz Lisboa provides practical training in numerous specialties, as well as for nursing and other professional groups, both clinical and non-clinical. It provides a space for our expert physicians, nurses and others to share their skills with colleagues and newly trained professionals, as well as outside companies and organisations. Besides these training opportunities, the simulation centre provides the perfect venue for the testing of new biomedical products.

Recently, HLLH joined the national network of test beds, which aims to accelerate the development of 50 innovative healthcare products in three years. For example, one company developed an innovative solution for brachytherapy, a form of internal radiotherapy, which aims to monitor the delivery of radiation in real time, making the treatment safer and more precise. This involved a collaborative effect with the radiotherapy department at Hospital da Luz Lisbon. The Test Bed made it possible to carry out characterisation and validation tests of the product in a real environment, allowing the technology to be fine-tuned.

HLLH has more than 40 staff supporting numerous projects in each of its areas. This support was fundamental in the journey of the hospital formalising several levels of clinical and non-clinical training opportunities, partnerships, and certifications, leading to the realisation of a long-term goal to see the Hospital da Luz Lisboa become the first private teaching hospital in the country in 2022. The simulation centre is also included in the clinical training for medical students and new doctors (rotations and internships). More recently, HLLH contributed to the third renewal of JCI accreditation, this time including the highest international standards in Medical Education and Clinical Research as part of its accreditation.

Isabel Vaz, CEO of Luz Saúde, stated: “Hospital da Luz Lisboa is a centre of clinical excellence, where clinical practice, teaching and research are perfectly integrated and where a robust culture of medical education is promoted focusing on the quality and safety of healthcare provided to patients.”

The simulation centre supports collaborations with universities and hospitals in other countries, with training in English also being possible. If you would like to know more, please contact [email protected]. You may also visit the Hospital de Luz Lisboa when in Lisbon, schedule a tour of the hospital and we will enjoy including the simulation centre as part of the tour.