RSU signs memorandum on simulation-based medical education strategy at METC anniversary celebration

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Medical Education Technology Centre (METC) on 7 December, RSU signed a memorandum of collaboration with seven healthcare, education, and government institutions. RSU, the Ministry of Health, the University of Latvia, the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), the Latvian Medical Association, the Latvian Association of Young Doctors, the Latvian Nurses Association and the Union of Professional Organisations of Medical Practitioners of Latvia agreed that simulation-based training programmes will be an integral part of medical education at the national level.

‘A simulation-based approach to medicine and health care is an essential aspect of the quality of education – it is an important factor in the context of both patient and healthcare personnel safety. Since 2013, we have gradually integrated simulation opportunities into the study process, and now we are the only simulation centre in Latvia and the largest in the Baltics.’

RSU is aware of its leading position in this field, which obliges us to take responsibility for its development at the national level.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons

The aim of the memorandum of collaboration is to agree on the development and implementation of a simulation-based education development strategy on the national level. This is meant to enhance the quality of medical and healthcare education at all levels and promote the safety of patients and healthcare providers in Latvia. The memorandum also sets the framework for further cooperation in achieving this goal.

‘Today we are celebrating the implementation and national recognition of the simulation-based approach to medical education and the work that the staff at the METC has done over the past 10 years to achieve this. The simulation-based approach has evolved from an idea of a few passionate colleagues to being a well-established and integral part of the education of healthcare professionals – a crucial milestone on the way towards responsible, safe healthcare for patients and healthcare professionals. And I can assure you that so much has changed since I was a medical student here! I am really pleased that, together with the METC team, we have been able to develop the Centre's areas of activity and, if I may say so, the Centre's self-awareness that we are doing something really important for healthcare and society as a whole!’

I always emphasise that behind the technology are people – a team with unique competences, creativity, and sense of mission. This is our success story!

Director of the METC Ieva Šlēziņa

New simulated emergency department

Once the memorandum was signed, a new simulated emergency department was opened. It consists of three rooms and includes a spacious training room where, under the guidance of lecturers and instructors, students can discuss theoretical material, review algorithms and guidelines, practice manipulations, as well as engage in discussions before and after playing out simulation scenarios, which are the main components of any clinical simulation. The second room is a simulation instructor’s room. Here, lecturers or instructors can conduct clinical simulation scenarios together with a clinical simulation specialist. The third room is the simulated emergency room, where conditions that mirror a real hospital environment have been created – it includes a nurses’ station, a doctor's desk, two patient beds with mannequins, as well as the appropriate medical equipment.

The new premises will provide an opportunity for students to practice skills, such as taking over a patient from the EMS or preparing them for transportation to another hospital. Students will have the opportunity to train primary patient examination skills and practice registering patients in demo e-systems and play out situations where several patients need to be admitted and treated at the same time. There will also be the opportunity to practice using patient treatment algorithms in emergencies in a safe environment (e.g. a polytrauma or massive bleeding algorithm).

10th anniversary celebrations

The METC celebrated its first major milestone anniversary with various activities over the course of several months. After the official part of the closing ceremony, congratulations and gratitude were extended to the METC team and the guests enjoyed a performance by the band Dzelzs vilks.

About the METC

The METC is the only simulation centre in Latvia and the largest in the Baltics. It has the appropriate infrastructure and equipment to provide the necessary skills training in different healthcare sectors, to promote patient safety and improve the quality of healthcare in Latvia. The total investment in providing simulation-based technologies and developing the Centre over 10 years has amounted to nearly EUR 12 million. A military medicine training area was opened in October, while a simulated emergency unit was opened during the 10th anniversary celebrations.