The Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Simulation Laboratory includes high-fidelity mannequins, including adults, a birthing mother, infants, and adolescents. These mannequins exhibit human physiologic functions such as blood pressure, reactive pupils, working tear ducts, and heart and lung sounds. Lab participants can perform many common procedures, such as starting an IV, obtaining a blood sample, inserting a bladder catheter, giving medications, treating wounds, and performing surgical procedures in response to the specific case they are evaluating and treating.

The simulations provide highly realistic, hands-on experiences that help students learn and practice before interacting with actual patients. The lab, equipment, personnel, and even its sounds and smells mirror those of a functioning clinic or hospital. The lab includes three clinical rooms that allow simulated clinical scenarios to run simultaneously.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate appropriate history-taking and interviewing skills.
• Perform a well-organized physical examination appropriate for the patient's chief complaint or needs.
• Select the appropriate diagnostic equipment necessary to complete an examination and use the equipment correctly.
• Document and/or present a focused history and physical examination in an organized fashion according to a standardized format.
• Synthesize historical and physical data to develop a problem list or differential diagnosis.
• Initiate an evidence-based management plan for specific patient problems.
• Demonstrate communication skills with the patient, families, and other healthcare team members.
• Discuss the importance of interprofessional teams and the working knowledge of each member’s skill set.
• Assess the patient’s medical status and need for rapid assessment.
• Assess personal and team-based strengths and weaknesses through self-evaluation.