The
Genesis of MedSMART
During
the past 3 years the members of the Medical Readiness Trainer (MRT)
at the University of Michigan concentrated on the development of
a new concept. Human Patient Simulator (HPS) units under remote
control, advanced 3-D viewing displays, and the Internet were combined
into a functional platform for very long distance, real-time, interactive
medical training based on the most forward-looking elements of Advanced
Distributed Learning (ADL) and Distributed Interactive Simulation
(DIS) concepts. The cutting-edge
technology approach of the MRT was subsequently tested during several
operations involving the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and a number
of civilian installations. It proved to be a viable concept for
practical implementation of realistic, advanced simulation training
for medical personnel in remote regions with few resources.
The
principal members of MRT recently formed an independent, not-for-profit
company—MedSMART. With
administrative headquarters located in Puerto Rico and operational
headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the principal goal of MedSMART
is the development and testing of new concepts in medical education
and training based on the sophisticated integration of existing
and future simulation, display, and telecommunication technologies.
All training concepts of MedSMART include a conscious effort
to make advanced medical training available to anyone with access
to the Internet, freeing the trainee from the prohibitive burdens
of financial and technical resources that hamper so many users of
modern medical training technologies.
The
goals of MedSMART may be considered too idealistic for the current
world of commercialized medicine. However, our fundamental belief
is that volunteer paramedics and physicians deserve an approach
to provide them with one of the elements necessary for their adequate
functioning—the highest level of training that the world of
modern medical education can provide.
MedSMART seeks to provide training, based on the latest technological
advances, that will ultimately lead to
the reduction of errors — training that is both excellent and
affordable.
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Expert physicians conduct
remote simulation training |
