STEPS has been GRANTED Reaccreditation
STEPS has been GRANTED Reaccreditation in the areas of Assessment, Research, Teaching/Education and Systems Integration by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. There are currently 1,085 simulation centers worldwide registered with SSH and only 43 have accreditation in all of these areas. STEPS is delighted to receive this accreditation, which demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and learners. We are committed to our mission of optimizing patient safety and the quality of healthcare through experiential learning. Thank you to everyone who played a part in documenting and presenting the exceptional work we do every day.
Simulation Certificate Program
The Faculty Development program at STEPS provides many opportunities for enhancing the teaching and scholarship activities of faculty from all disciplines. Three days of simulation instruction and activity are available in the Simulation Certificate Program.
Presentations and Publications
STEPS and their colleagues have been actively publishing research and presenting at a variety of professional conferences.
Hands-on experience. Cutting edge technology.
When it comes to patient care, experience is everything. With the West Virginia Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety center, our students are learning life-saving procedures, developing interprofessional communication skills, and using new technologies, before they get into patient care environments.
The David and Jo Ann Shaw STEPS center houses patient simulators ranging from premature babies to adults, including ultrasoundable models. State of the art technology – and a highly adaptable simulation set from student learners to hospital professionals – fosters analytical, diagnostic and communication skills.
Removing Boundaries for Learners
WV STEPS is a premier simulation center that provides experiential learning to health care professionals to improve their skills. Inter-professional education is highlighted as nurses, pharmacists, physicians, and other members of an integrated healthcare team train together as they will work in the healthcare setting. Integration enhances the educational experience for all professions involved. Simulated crisis scenarios expose trainees to uncommon, high-risk conditions in the safe environment of the simulation center. Improved patient safety is the ultimate goal.
Innovative Technology
WV STEPS delivers innovative inter-professional healthcare training, using technology to enhance education as our Center helps clinical learners improve their analytical, diagnostic, communication and crisis-intervention skills. Customized clinical experiences are tailored to the level of each learner, from students to healthcare professionals.
The Center uses a variety of patient simulators capable of everything from trembling and crying to bleeding or giving birth. Manikins and trainers give clinicians the opportunity to learn, rehearse, and perfect skills from the simple to the highly complex. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are learned and mastered to improve patient care.
Supporting the WV STEPS Center
Advancements in education through technology and research are products of strong philanthropic partnerships. Individuals, corporations, and foundations with a vision for innovations in healthcare for the creation of healthier communities are integral to the development and growth of our programs. The faculty, staff, and patients of WVU Medicine appreciate our donors’ vision and support.
Standardized Patient Program
A Standardized Patient is a real person role-playing a realistic clinical situation to help healthcare students learn and/or evaluate clinical skills. They are people from the community who have indicated an interest and are accepted based on their communication skills.