Catherine O’Brien, a seasoned actress, found herself unexpectedly transitioning from the stage to a unique role within a medical school team. Her journey began in Ontario, where she collaborated with the University of Toronto, portraying patients in simulated medical scenarios to aid in the training of future healthcare professionals. Now, O’Brien, a well-known figure in Prince Edward Island’s entertainment scene, continues this valuable work at the University of Prince Edward Island’s recently established medical school.
At the university’s Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre (CLSC), O’Brien serves as a standardized patient, assuming scripted roles to help students hone their skills in lifelike medical situations. She emphasized the importance of students learning effective communication, empathy, and patient comfort during consultations.
The team of standardized patients at the centre comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, not limited to acting. Their primary goal is to provide a safe learning environment for students, ensuring they gain practical experience in handling patient interactions before treating real individuals.
Paul Charles, the simulation program manager at the centre, highlighted the comprehensive training approach that includes replicating real clinical settings. By utilizing simulation rooms resembling hospital wards and advanced manikins capable of simulating various medical conditions, the program aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice.
Apart from student training, healthcare professionals can also benefit from the centre’s resources to enhance their expertise. The introduction of a “simulation rig,” housed in a trailer designed as an ambulance interior, enables on-site training for scenarios like stroke and heart attack emergencies, emphasizing the critical role of timely and proficient care in improving patient outcomes.
O’Brien expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the medical school’s inaugural student cohort, having already engaged with them during orientation. She eagerly anticipates working with them in upcoming training sessions, highlighting her commitment to supporting the next generation of healthcare providers.