Speech simulation lab comes online

The Wayne State University Speech and Language Clinics have launched a new acute care simulation room. This resource will assist in training student clinicians in specialized medically based SLP interventions, such as bedside swallowing assessments, Passy Muir Speaking Valve placement, trach and vent protocols for voicing and swallowing, improving familiarity with an acute care practice environment and more.

Relevant equipment includes manikins, Tracheostomy T.O.M./P.A.M. heads, trach tubes, and equipment to create a mock acute care patient room. This room will provide valuable simulated experiences to improve exposure and competency of our students for medically based placements and/or job prospects.

The simulation is designed to help students integrate classroom learning with practical skills needed for conducting a clinical swallowing evaluation (aka bedside swallow evaluation). We currently have limited off-campus opportunities for an entire cohort of nearly 40 students to practice these essential skills before graduation from the program.

Our simulation provides students with practice interviewing caregivers and other professionals that are part of the patient's care team. Each student is given a case scenario to problem-solve and execute. The acute care environment is simulated with sounds and visuals that students will encounter when out in the field of practice.

The Simulation Lab was funded by a generous gift from the Baiardi Family Foundation.