The Human Patient Simulator (HPS) is a high-tech, high fidelity mannequin that is configured to respond to nursing and medical interventions just as a human body would.  Through the interplay of three computers and sophisticated software, the model has the ability to breathe spontaneously, consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide.  The HPS has measurable vital signs, heart and lung sounds, eyes that blink with pupils that respond to light, pulses in the neck, arms, and legs that can be assessed, and accurately mirrors human responses to such procedures as CPR, intravenous medication, intubation, ventilation, and catheterization. Through the use of a wireless microphone, the HPS can also respond to verbal questions, and state any difficulties it may be experiencing such as breathing, pain, dizziness, etc.

The Nursing faculty at the Charity School of Nursing have developed clinical scenarios that have student learning objectives and require specific clinical skills.  After the students are given a verbal report about the HPS patient, they begin to provide the appropriate nursing care.  During the scenario, the patient develops selected changes in status that must be detected, analyzed, and interventions made.  Using simulations to teach nursing ensures that every student will have the same opportunity to provide care to selected types of patients.  The faculty designs the scenarios so that the student will have to collect data from patient then have to make clinical decisions about the most appropriate actions that should follow.  Facilitating the use of critical thinking skills and being able to observe how students decide which actions should be done are two valuable assets that simulators provide.  Faculty members are also able to identify those concepts that students know well, and to identify those that need further instruction.

The HPS at Charity School of Nursing resides in the Simulator Learning Lab which is designed to resemble a hospital facility with a patient room, a nursing station with medical records, medical supplies, and equipment.  As a tribute to the former chancellor of Delgado who provided the funds for this learning tool, the faculty has named the HPS "Kelly." 

For more information on the HPS please visit the manufacturers, METI, site at: www.meti.com