UMass Boston unveils state-of-the-art nursing and healthcare facility
Realizing that the classroom and clinical placements are increasingly insufficient in preparing students to function in our complex healthcare environment, UMass Boston is now setting a new trend in nursing and healthcare education and training with the grand opening of its Center for Clinical Education and Research in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS). The spanking new $4.6 million, 5100 sq ft. facility is among the first of its kind in New England, and is built to showcase patient simulation, a rapidly growing trend in healthcare education, which mimics the clinical setting but eliminates any risk to patients. The center aims to improve the safety and quality of care provided by students and practicing clinicians through the use of simulation and advanced technology, which allows deliberate repetitive practice, team and communication exercises and immediate feedback. Along with the teaching aspect, the Center will be participating in research endeavors that identify the best practices and evaluate the effectiveness of simulation.
“By providing state of the art instructional facilities, CNHS is combining research and innovation as never before,” said Chancellor J. Keith Motley. “We are certain to improve the lives of countless people throughout Massachusetts.”
The University identified this project as a top priority, secured substantial funding and for the past three years has painstakingly worked with design experts to duplicate actual hospital and clinic conditions and through remarkable advances in technology create powerful new forms of teaching and learning. Fully operational since January 29, 2008, the new facility in the harbor campus’ science building boasts a family of lifelike patient simulators capable of changing their physiology and verbally responding to questions that are housed in fully equipped acute, critical care or exam rooms. The CCER also includes the exercise and health sciences labs that are outfitted with the most sophisticated fitness, performance and cardiac stress testing equipment available and technologically advanced classrooms, which allow the lectures, demonstrations and simulations to be recorded, broadcasted and frequently reviewed and debriefed by students and faculty. All of this incredible technology has revolutionized hands-on training in nursing and health sciences education. “With the help of these patient simulators, nursing education for our students is becoming more and more like treating live patients in a real hospital,” said dean of CNHS Greer Glazer. “And it is so fulfilling to have a state of the art facility of the highest quality for our outstanding students, who deserve the best.”
Each day the CCER is filled with undergraduate students participating in simulation experiences that have been designed to meet learning objectives specific to their clinical course, level of expertise and ability to expand their performance. Many of our graduate students are gaining expertise in simulation as they write the scenarios, program and run the simulation and most importantly guide the debriefing process where much of the learning occurs as students reflect on their feelings and performance. Student evaluations have been extremely positive and they are asking for, “more simulations and in every clinical course”. When asked what they have learned from simulation many responded, “How to adjust and prioritize”; “You need to work as a team and communicate clearly”; “To think critically and from different perspectives in a timely manner”
Judith Healey Walsh, CCER’s director stressed that, “Patient safety is a driving force advocating for simulation as a key component in both pre and post licensure education. Simulation helps to identify gaps and allows healthcare providers to practice the technological, teamwork and communication skills crucial to safe, quality care.” She added that, “we hope to become a regional training center for simulation so that other colleges and healthcare institutions can benefit from our facility and expertise”
CCER is all set to project UMass Boston to the forefront of healthcare education in the country and to make a mark for itself in the medical mecca, which is greater Boston.
April 12, 2008
UMass Boston and the Boston Science Partnership organize practice AP tests under realistic conditions for 322 Boston high schoolers
On Saturday, April 12, UMass Boston hosted 322 Boston Public School students as they took practice AP science exams to get ready for the real thing four weeks later. The event was part of a comprehensive test preparation program run by the Boston Science Partnership (BSP), comprised of faculty and graduate students at UMass Boston and Northeastern University, who are working with Boston Public School teachers to prepare students from grades 6 through 12 for college coursework. Following the practice exam, UMass Boston faculty and graduate students will work with Boston Public School teachers through the weekend, with the goal of returning graded exams directly to teachers the following Monday so that the preparation process can continue.
“UMass Boston’s collaboration with the Boston Science Partnership is an extension of the university’s constant support to urban education,” said Chancellor J. Keith Motley. “UMass Boston faculty and students are playing a key role in helping hundreds of aspiring science students to realize their untapped potential.”
Under test conditions, these devoted students, representing over half of all AP science students in the district, took intensive science exams, and interpreted problems, explained concepts and analyzed data. This mock test gave the students—who represent over half of all AP science students in the district—a hands-on experience of actual testing conditions, which helped them better prepare for the official test, which could give them a leg up in college and make a big difference to young people who hope to enter scientific professions or medical school.
“Over the past three years, both students and teachers have found this event to be extremely beneficial in increasing the success of students taking the AP exams,” said UMass Boston Provost Paul Fonteyn. “UMass Boston is proud to continue to support this endeavor and enhance the learning experiences of students in the Boston area.”
Collected statistics of the comprehensive AP supports given to students by the Boston Science Partnership over the last three years have revealed that they are making a huge difference to AP exam scores in Boston. Results show that:
- 618 students took AP science tests in 2007-08, compared to 375 in 2006, and 183 in 2000. This is an increase of 336% in 7 years.
- 48% passed with a 3, 4 or 5 last year, the scores needed for college credit.
- 34 AP classes are currently offered by Boston Public Schools in chemistry, physics, environment science and biology.
- 41% are offered at the city’s three exam schools; 59% at district and pilot schools.
Senior program director for science in the Boston Public Schools Marilyn Decker explains the success: “The AP practice sessions have been terrific for our kids. They love the chance to come to the university settings and continue their studies. And our numbers reflect their effort and the benefits of the partnership.”