Acute medicine team scoop first prize for innovation

23rd Aug 2017

The acute medicine team at the Trust wowed health service delegates attending a national Medical Education Conference when they showcased their new Clinical Skills Lab, and went on to scoop first prize for innovation, in a training poster explaining the concept.

Judges were impressed not only with the design of the poster, but how this unique training model enables junior doctors and nurses to put their learning into practice, improving patient safety as their skills and confidence grow.

Speaking about the achievement, acute medicine consultant Dr Sarbjit Clare, said: “We were delighted to hear we won first prize. This is an encouraging result for all the hard work that the team has put in.”

From launch last year, the unit has seen a much improved discharge and patient satisfaction rate, as patients on the unit are seen in under four hours and have a more efficient patient journey through the Trust.

The Clinical Skills Lab is believed to be the first of its kind in the country, providing short training sessions in an acute medical unit, accessed 24/7. The lab contains extensive medical equipment ranging from lumbar punctures, chest drains and central venous puncture kits to an ultrasound machine and a patient simulator. Medical trainees are taught how to perform procedures and have the opportunity to practice in the lab supervised by senior doctors. “Essentially, we use the apprenticeship concept at our unit as we want our junior doctors and nurses to have the opportunity to practice as much as they can without having to leave the unit. This has generated very positive feedback from our trainees”, Dr Clare added.

This unique training model has been praised by the Royal College of Physicians, for its innovation, practicality and better patient outcomes.

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