Background:Simulation has been widely adopted as a method to train and assess learners in healthcare. It offers a controlled, learner focussed setting where high risk, real-life situations and skills can be practised in a safe environment. Simulation is a valuable learning tool that appeals to visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners and has been shown to improve team dynamics and performance.

The Age Simulation Suit was purchased to enable preceptees participating in the Assessment of the Deteriorating Adult simulation day to experience some of the impairments that may effect the older patients in their care.

Future plans:

The RBHFT has also purchased a suit which simulates hemiparesis. This is proving very useful for preceptees working with stroke patients and also enables more staff to participate in the experience.

We have also purchased additional glasses that simulate different visual impairments and enables all of the staff to be involved and to benefit

“I will definitely change the way I

communicate with the older person

after experiencing wearing the suit”

“I will be much more patient when waiting

for older people to

mobilise and also when they

are eating”

“I had no idea how little some older people can see.

They must be scared when moving

around in a strange place like the ward”

Challenges:• The suit is very time consuming to put on so only one or two staff can experience it during the simulation day due to time restrictions.• The suit is quite small (despite being a medium fit) so limited number who can benefit from the experience.• Staff must be supervised when wearing the suit as may increase the risk of a fall. • The tremor gloves can be uncomfortable due to electrical impulses so again need supervision when applying.

Benefits:The suit offers the participant the opportunity to experience a range of age-related impairments which include:

• opacity of the eye lens and narrowing of the visual field• high-frequency hearing loss• head mobility restrictions• joint stiffness• loss of strength• reduced grip ability• reduced coordination skills• Tremor

The suit has enabled inter-professional learning as is relevant to all professions.

Using Simulation in Preceptorship – The Age Simulation SuitMandy Rowe, Practice Development Nurse, RBHFT