The strength of the 2012 SIM Expo may have rested in its line up of invigorating keynote speakers who spoke from diverse perspectives.

First up was physician/astronaut/hospital executive Dr. Dave Williams, who inspired the audience with his story of simulation and space travel. On Day 2, attendees got to meet Dr. John Schaefer, the founder of Healthcare Simulation South Carolina (HSSC) and one of the great innovators and leaders in the healthcare simulation world. The Globe and Mail’s Andre Picard gave the closing speech and was successfully able to communicate the need for more innovation—including simulation—in healthcare.

Here’s what some of our attendees had to say:

“His (Williams’) ability to speak to all levels of sim experience and all audience professions was fabulous.”

Said an attendee regarding Dr. Schaefer’s presentation: “It prompted me to consider how we could incorporate a student-driven practice lab using pre-programmed scenarios and task trainers. As well it highlighted the benefits of partnerships.”

Of Mr. Picard, one attendee simply wrote, “Excellent presentation.”

The theme of the 2012 SIM Expo was “Simulation & the Quality of Healthcare”. In particular, much importance was given to building a case for simulation and how it relates to improving healthcare quality.

The Case for Simulation, an interactive session, was led by Dr. Tim Willett, SIM-one’s Director of Research & Development. This plenary explored simulation’s important evidence-based role in healthcare through six unique perspectives, including research, medicine, nursing, EMT, interprofessionalism and patient safety. View the synopsis HERE and the full version HERE.

SIM-one was very happy to have Suzanne McGurn from the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care (MOHLTC) give the conference’s Opening Remarks. In her speech, Ms. McGurn addressed the need for more simulation in health professions education as a way to improve quality, patient care and patient safety, and reduce costs.

The 2012 SIM Expo hosted the “Living Labs”, a roundtable discussion moderated by Peter Azmi, SIM-one’s Director of Partnerships, that featured leaders in simulation innovation. During the discussion, participants talked about the unique challenges and opportunities facing innovators in the Province of Ontario, including development of ideas and sources for funding. View the “Living Labs” video HERE.

Interaction has always been a staple of the SIM Expo—and for SIM-one, in general. SIM-one stepped up the level of interaction at the 2012 SIM Expo in the form of new features, including a Welcome Reception, two plenary sessions and eight accredited workshops.

The workshops, in particular, covered several perspectives, including EMS & Simulation, Nursing & Simulation, and Simulation Centre Management. All of the workshops received positive feedback, including these comments from our anonymous survey:

“Great workshop! Expert presenters who were very engaging!”

“Interesting to meet, network and learn about the diverse stakeholders in this area. I believe that there is interest, motivation and expertise to move forward with some very valuable initiatives in this group.”

“Very well organized and presented with much group interaction…good networking there.”

On Day 2 of the conference, SIM-one Executive Director Dr. Dimitri Anastakis announced three SIM-one initiatives for the upcoming year that will add value to Ontario’s healthcare simulation network.

The new initiatives include:

1. The SIM-one Provincial Equipment Coordination Service (SPECS), which will provide real-time reporting on Ontario’s simulation equipment assets
2. A new SIM-one website that will connect Ontario’s simulation community and facilitate greater collaboration and innovation
3. And SIM-one’s incorporation as a not-for-profit organization