As of now, students of the Medical University of Silesia are able to study at the most modern pre-clinical education’s facility in Poland – the Didactics and Medical Simulation Center (DMSC) that was officially opened today in Katowice at 8B Medyków St. The PLN 30 million Center is equipped with phantoms that breathe, bleed, give birth, blink, scream and even talk.
“Sometimes dreams come true. Thanks to this investment we open a new chapter of medical education not only for our University but also for the whole Polish medical education. Today, we deliver the biggest simulation center of this type in Poland” – stressed Prof. Przemysław Jałowiecki, rector of the Medical University of Silesia.
The building reminds a hospital where phantoms, simulators, manikins and six simulation rooms (operating room, intensive care room, two hospital ER rooms and two pediatric rooms) enable practical training, allow students to act on their own, to commit errors and to analyze them. Phantoms simulate real patients with the possibility of performing medical procedures, monitoring life functions, reacting adequately to the students’ actions as well as with the possibility of programming and of evoking specific physiological states.
Moreover, a real ambulance and pre-hospital simulation area will empower students to achieve practical skills especially in the scope of emergencies and life threatening situations but also communication skills and teamwork.
All classes can be recorded and analyzed later on. Over 300 training manikins and tools will allow students to improve less complicated manual skills. Self-assessment rooms will enable to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Additionally, premises of media center, multimedia lecture hall, software center as well as intranet and virtual dean’s office allow to use the information and communication technology (ICT).
The multimedia lecture hall was equipped with computers and LCD monitors with 3D display technology. The sets will give access to applications presenting three-dimensional images, will enable the use of traditional software and conducting of tests for students with a dedicated application individualizing such tests.
The building – a former hospital laundry – is designed for students of the faculties of medicine (based in Katowice), division of dentistry (Zabrze) and pharmacy with division of medical analytics (Sosnowiec). The DMSC cost PLN 30 million, of which 85% was co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund and 15% from the state budget.
