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Innovating with virtual-patient simulation to revolutionise learning at scale

Bristol, UK


Simulation-enhanced learning for healthcare and bioscience

At Bristol Biomedical Simulation, we are pioneers in the integration of human patient simulation technology into large-scale undergraduate education for bioscience and healthcare. Our innovative approach, described as the 'Bristol Method', not only enriches the learning experience but also bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for real-world challenges in science and medicine.

News and comment


Impact


Innovative human patient simulation

We are at the forefront of revolutionising education in the biosciences and healthcare. Our method of applying virtual-patient simulation technologies enables large-scale undergraduate education, providing students with realistic learning experiences for physiology, pathophysiology and whole-body drug action. Based on 20-years of experience at the University of Bristol, our simulations are meticulously designed using commercially available, model-driven simulators to explore key mechanisms that underly whole-body function and disease, enhancing the learning process and better preparing students for their future roles in science and medicine.


No limit to class size

We upscaled our approach from small groups gathered around a manikin to large-class virtual-patient experiences, a 25-fold efficiency increase without compromising learner satisfaction and outcomes.

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Find out more

Read our recent article in SIMZINE no. 16

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Our method is detailed in the comprehensive guide to simulation-based physiology education 'Learning Physiology In Context', R Helyer, E Lloyd & W van Meurs, 2024, SIMESSENTIALS no. 1, SIMEDITA, IT. Available here.
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“The University of Bristol have made very creative use of the available technologies, and managed to set up physiology teaching programs to a broad range of students. They managed to move from 2 facilitators teaching a handful of students standing around a manikin to 2 facilitators teaching 250 students with virtual patients, while maintaining student satisfaction and test scores”
 
Simon Walls - Vice President, CAE Healthcare, USA

Partners and platforms

We are always interested in talking with potential partners in education and industry. Get in touch.


Team

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Richard Helyer, PhD

University of Bristol

Academic lead

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Majda Bakali, PhD

University of Bristol

Co-lead, developer and instructor

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Katherine Harrison, BSc

University of Bristol

Technologist and developer

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Eugene Lloyd, BSc, MBCHB

University of Bristol

Medical education lead

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Lauren Goodhead, PhD

University of Bristol

Developer and instructor

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Willem van Meurs, PhD

Professor, University of Porto

Advisor and affiliated faculty

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Peter
Elevate Healthcare

Virtual Patient