A state-of-the-art simulation learning lab will transform medical education at MMC.
Simulation-in which equipment or computer software is used to replicate a real-world scenario-has long been part of military and aeronautical training. Now it’s being used in medical education, and residents, medical students and nurses at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) will soon have access to a new, state-of-the-art Simulation Learning Lab-thanks to a $3 million gift from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation. “This gift honors the life of Linda Grunin, who was raised in Long Branch, and the work she and her family have done in the community,” says Tara F. Kelly, Vice President of the MMC Foundation.
With rapidly advancing medical technology and ever-higher safety and quality standards, it’s crucial for residents, medical students and nurses to master skills before they begin working with patients. “Our physicians are thrilled,” says Kelly. “It’s another layer of excellence for MMC.”
Enhancing Patient Safety
The Linda Grunin SIMLab, which will be operated through a partnership with Monmouth University, will enable residents and nurses to rehearse patient workups and refine their bedside manner. It will also provide training in operating room setup and procedures, including robotic surgery. It will enable providers to practice caring for high-risk patients in the Intensive Care Unit, helping to build their confidence. The Lab will be open to residents in all specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and emergency medicine. Training sessions will be recorded to provide feedback, and providers will be reassessed to monitor their progress.
The Lab will also enhance patient safety. Simulation-based medical education has the potential to decrease medical errors; facilitate open exchange in training situations; and decrease the hospital’s reliance on patients for training. The Lab aligns well with MMC’s mission as a High Reliability Organization, meaning the hospital is committed to causing zero patient harm, reducing medical errors and providing outcomes-based medical education. “We are incredibly thankful to the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation for their generous gift to fund this innovative educational facility and program,” says Eric Carney, President and Chief Executive Officer of MMC.
The Lab, which will be located at Monmouth Corporate Park in West Long Branch, is expected to be completed in the spring of 2020. In the future, it will be used to train first responders, including local emergency medical technicians and firefighters. “It’s gratifying to see an honorable idea become something so impactful,” says Kelly.
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