Maui Memorial Gets Federal Funds for Simulation Training Lab

Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) is the recipient of a $188,100 Federal Grant from the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) for the development of a simulation and robotics laboratory.

The grant was facilitated through Sen. Daniel Inouye’s office and will allow MMMC to develop a simulation lab for team training of high-risk clinical scenarios. Simulation training is identified as a current strategy to address both the health care workforce shortage and augment clinical training.

“In a time when earmarks are often criticized, we can attest to their importance in providing critical funding for projects that actually improve our community,” said Wesley Lo, MMMC Chief Executive Officer.  “We are deeply grateful to Sen. Inouye for stepping up to help us access this grant, as well as including additional funds in HRSA appropriations still awaiting Congressional action, both of which will provide valuable training for our medical staff,” said Lo.

“Providing quality health care in rural communities begins with a well trained medical team. Oftentimes, comprehensive training opportunities are much more difficult to come by in rural communities due to a small, dispersed population base,” said Inouye.  “The simulation and robotics lab will allow Maui Memorial’s health professionals to keep their skills honed on the latest techniques.  I have no doubt that this modest investment will both save lives and enhance the quality of those lives on Maui,” said Inouye.

The training lab will also provide online computer-based competency assessment and training.  Hospital officials say the lab will also ensure that a variety of educational opportunities are accessible and affordable to nurses and other health care providers on Maui.

“In the health care setting simulation education can provide advanced, high-risk clinical practice scenarios while preserving patient safety,” said Lo.  He continued, “The benefits will foster a more collaborative team approach, further promoting a culture of patient safety.”

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Supporting information and placeholder image  courtesy Maui Memorial Medical Center)