Lisa Soule, Manager Media and Public Relations 254-724-7758 or 254-724-3047 Pager: 254-762-0791 Email: lsoule@swmail.sw.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2006

Scott & White receives $600,000 grant for simulation research

TEMPLE, Texas – Scott & White and the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine received a $600,000 grant to research the impact of multidisciplinary teamwork training using simulation in patient safety. The Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on Monday announced more than $5 million in 19 new grants under its “Improving Patient Safety through Simulation Research” request for applications.

Jose Pliego is principal investigator. Co-investigators are Frank Villamaria, M.D., M. Hasan Rajab, M.D., Kimberly van Walsum, M.D. and Neil Coker. Dr. Pliego said their research project will evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary team training using simulated critical clinical events. The simulations will include non-expectant, non-ICU inpatient mortality rates as well as the impact on team coordination, response times and successful rescue in an inpatient health care setting.

AHRQ made its first ever call for applications relating to simulation’s role in improving patient safety after noting the rise of medical errors. Simulation – and its ability to recreate medical situations – gives providers an opportunity to practice new procedures and techniques before performing them on patients and potentially placing them at risk.

“Working in a high-fidelity simulated setting gives us a realistic vehicle to study and conduct research without compromising patient care,” Dr. Pliego said. “High-fidelity team simulation teaches learners how to perform under stress and to monitor and question their mental models and practice behavior.”

The grant-funded simulation projects will inform providers, health educators, payers, policy makers, patients and the public about the effective use of simulation in preventing medical errors and improving patient safety.

"Building on AHRQ’s patient safety investment, these simulation grants will enable health care teams to implement and evaluate innovative interventions in a safe environment,” said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D.

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