The Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation, Education and Research

Submitted by: Ake Grenvik, MD, Charles Brindis, MD and John Schaefer, MD

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The establishment of a simulation center at UPMC is described in detail in the first WISER report submitted in 2002.

I. Background: See appendix A (Floor Plans)

In 2000 the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Anesthesiology/CCM, Human Simulation Center in conjunction with the Schools of Medicine and Nursing and the UPMC Health System agreed to combine resources to expand what was then a small human simulation center within the Department of Anesthesiology into a large multifunctional facility serving medical education and patient safety missions. Approximately $1 million in external grant support from the Laerdal Foundation in conjunction with approximately $1.7 million in internal support from the various participating groups were secured. Through a lengthy process a two-part plan for expansion was committed to in the spring of 2002. As part of this expansion, the center was renamed the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation, Education and Research (WISER). This expansion involved:

1. Temporary expansion from the existing small facility located on the 3 rd floor of Montefiore University Hospital (MUH) to a facility on the 7 th floor of MUH with approximately 6000 sq ft of space in 9/02.
2. Permanent expansion in late 2003 to a location within the McKee building including approximately 11,000 sq. ft. of space renovated specifically to support WISER.

II. Missions of WISER:

1. Improve medical and public education through simulation training.
2. Improve patient safety.
3. Save lives as a result of II a. and II b.
4. Educational research to promote II a. - c.
5. Build on a successful foundation to create the leading Institute of its kind in the world.
6. Through natural partnerships take advantage of the economic spin-offs of these missions to further support WISER.
7. Research on future forms of simulation (virtual reality, handheld computing, etc.).

III. Activities of WISER FY 02-03: See appendix B (WISER Faculty, Staff and Instructors)

1. Infrastructure Development: In September of 2002 WISER completed its first phase of expansion to 7 MUH with minimal renovation of the site such that equipment located there could readily be moved to the permanent facility yet allow for practical testing of new large scale training methods and tools. The existing staff of a part time director and a part time secretary was expanded through the hiring of a very experienced simulation Operations Coordinator, an Administrative Coordinator, a simulation specialist and an exceptional part time Systems Analyst.
   Infrastructure development highlights from this past year include: 1) development of an Internet based “Simulation Information Management System” that automatically collects all aspects of trainees performance data and quality assurance information, 2) development of a new integrated WISER Internet web site through which curriculum and trainee feedback information are available, 3) development with private industry of an innovative, affordable Internet digital video system and 4) development of a new simulator operating system with the Laerdal Corporation that greatly simplifies the operation and enhances the mass training capabilities at WISER. The cumulative effect of the now proven infrastructure capabilities incorporated into the 1st phase expansion, definitively positions WISER for practical mass simulation training with leading edge research potential for the upcoming years.
   A multidisciplinary research committee was established to directly encourage and support the educational research mission of WISER under leadership of Ake Grenvik, MD. See appendix B1 (Research Committee meeting minutes). Similarly, the Advisory Committee, also chaired by Ake Grenvik, met in June 2003. See appendix B2 (Advisory Committee meeting minutes)
2. Training Activities: - See appendix C (Simulation Classes, McKeesport Statistics)
   Prior to this past year’s expansion, a maximum of 600 trainees per year went through the old 3rd floor MUH facility. Since opening the first phase on 7 MUH from July 2002 to June 2003, approximately 5000 individuals (nurses, paramedics, medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty) have been trained in 12 months of operation. Most importantly, whereas 2 years ago 8 simulation specialists would have been required to support this activity level, in 2002-2003 this was achieved with two instructors. The range of new course offerings supporting the Institutes missions doubled. The Institute now is the primary site for the School of Medicines standardized patient examination program. In ten months WISER has become the most active academic training site for manikin based simulation training in the USA.

IV. Finances FY 02-03: See appendix D (Current WISER Funding Projections)

At the beginning of 2003 WISER was fully funded for expansion to Phase II with architectural plans ready for bid out. 11,000 sq ft of space was secured within the McKee Building. However, as a result of indirect financial consequences of the Sept. 11, 2002 terrorist attack on the U.S.A., the UPMC Health System in FY 02-03 froze approx. $550,000 in funding of WISER. The UPMC Health System through its corporate development office has since provided extensive support in developing both opportunities for sources of external funding and business planning. This will allow WISER to grow into a position that would financially support its primary missions through leveraging opportunities consistent with its current leading position within the medical simulation-training domain.

UPMC has also allowed WISER to continue to operate at the 7th floor MUH site beyond the intended vacation date in what will become clinical space for the transplantation program. FY 02-03 levels of internal funding include: $650,000 set aside for capital needs (McKee renovation), $570,000 for operational needs, $490,000 for FY03 & FY04 operational needs, and $343,000 in FY 05-06 (please see appendix D for details). Current annual operational expenses at the 7 MUH Phase I facility are estimated at $416,000 but are estimated to increase to approximately $640,000 per year at the permanent McKee facility which is approximately twice the size of the existing facility.

V. FY 03-04 Plan: See appendix E (Publications)

Plans are already underway to expand the range of training programs offered consistent with the mission profiles of medical education and patient safety related training within the School of Medicine, Departments of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Emergency Medicine and the UPMC Health System. It is also anticipated that in FY04-05 the School of Nursing simulation efforts will be incorporated within WISER. Educational research and publications will be emphasized and encouraged over the upcoming year. The infrastructure necessary to support these activities has been implemented.

In FY03-4 it will be critical either to pursue and initiate mission related financial opportunities with the help of UPMC or seek additional internal support based on internal groups use of the Institute. Expansion to the McKee facility in FY03-4 will be critical to: 1) meet capacity needs for both internal and external programs; 2) provide adequate facility space and design necessary to pursue external financial opportunities that can not be pursued at the current facility; and 3) secure a permanent site of adequate size and location to the PUH medical center prior to the need to vacate the 7 MUH site.

VI. Strategic Goals:

WISER’s strategic goals for the next five years include expansion of its service for medical education and patient safety programs to the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC partners. The goals included measuring the educational outcomes and patient safety impact. Given the size of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Health System, this represents a unique opportunity. Through the economic opportunities while serving the Institute missions, it is believed that WISER can financially support its operation decreasing the internal support required from the financial partners. In the domain of medical simulation based education, given WISER’s 2-4 year technological lead in this relatively new field, we believe that with a concerted effort that WISER can become a world leading research center in this field. The key to this plan includes expansion to the second phase location at the McKee site that is able to support this growth.

VII. Summary:

FY02-FY03 represented a watershed year, which for the first time demonstrated effective, practical, mass medical training using manikin-based simulation. The foundations were laid for a world-class educational research program at WISER. While the financial support has been considerable, mission related economic opportunities must be grasped to assure that the necessary expansion of WISER can be accomplished.

Appendix A – Floor Plans

WISER current location – Montefiore Hospital 7th floor

WISER location in the Winter of 2003

Appendix B – Faculty, Staff and Instructors

Faculty

John J. Schaefer, MD, Director,
WISER Institute
412-648-6073
Schaeferjj@anes.upmc.edu

Charles Brindis, MD, Assistant Director,
WISER Institute
412-692-4514
Brindis@anes.upmc.edu

Ake Grenvik, MD, PhD , Distinguished Service Professor,
Director of Research
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-648-6969
grenvika@anes.upmc.edu

Staff

Jacqueline Gaines , Administrator Coordinator,
WISER Institute
412-648-6472
gainesjr@anes.upmc.edu

Jon Mazur, Simulation Specialist,
WISER Institute
412-648-6095
mazurjf@msx.upmc.edu

Kristen Kerns, Administrative Assistant,
WISER Institute
412-648-6073
Kernka@anes.upmc.edu

Tom Dongilli, Operations Coordinator
WISER Institute
412-648-6073
dongta@anes.upmc.edu

Course Directors

Michael A. DeVita, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-1705
devitam@upmc.edu

Susan Dunmire, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Emergency Medicine
412-647-3336
dunmiresm@upmc.edu

Theresa A. Gelzinis, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-6733
GelzinisTA@anes.upmc.edu

William R. McIvor, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Anesthesiology
412-647-6457
McIvorWR@anes.upmc.edu

Michael H. Mohr, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Anesthesiology
412-647-6728
MohrMH@anes.upmc.edu

John O’Donnell, RN, MS, Director,
Nurse Anesthesia Program (School of Nursing)
412-624-4860
jodo1@upmc.edu

Paul L. Rogers, MD, Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-688-6743
rogerspl@upmc.edu

Erin Sullivan, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-5030
sullivanea@upmc.edu

Samuel A. Tisherman, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery and
Critical Care Medicine
412-647-9914
tishermansa@anes.upmc.edu

Ramesh Venkataraman, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-8319
venkataramanr@anes.upmc.edu

Andrew Murray, MB ChB, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-8401
murrayAW@anes.upmc.edu

Melinda Fiedor, MD, NRSA fellow, NICHD/NIH Clinical Instructor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-692-6090
fiedml@anes.upmc.edu

Sandra Buttram, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-692-6236
buttsd@ccm.upmc.edu

Faculty Advisors

Rita Patel, MD, Associate Professor and Director,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-692-4505
Patelrm@anes.upmc.edu

Peter M. Winter, MD, Professor Emeritus,
Department of Anesthesiology
412-692-4507
Winterpm@anes.upmc.edu

Course Instructors

Steven L. Orebaugh, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-488-5799
orebaughSL@anes.upmc.edu

Ryan C. Romeo, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-641-5337
RomeoRC@anes.upmc.edu

Patrick J. Forte, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-648-6810
FortePJ@anes.upmc.edu

Theresa A. Gelzinis, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-6733
GelzinisTA@anes.upmc.edu

Robert G. Krohner, DO , Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-641-1769
KrohnerRG@anes.upmc.edu

Robert A. Lawler, MD , Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-648-6953
Lawlerra@anes.upmc.edu

Gordon L. Mandell, MD, Director of Obstetric Anesthesia,
Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-641-4260
MandellGL@anes.upmc.edu

David G. Metro, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-648-6955
MetroA@anes.upmc.edu

Andrew W. Murray, MB ChB , Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-8401
MurrayAW@anes.upmc.edu

Joseph J. Quinlan, MD, Chief of UPMC Presbyterian,
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
412-647-0883
quinlanjj@anes.upmc.edu

Sara Shekar, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-3262
Shekars@upmc.edu

William McIvor, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-6457
McIvorWR@anes.upmc.edu

Wendeline Grbach, Unit Director 9G,
Department of Nursing
412-647-3523
GrachWJ@upmc.edu

Patricia Dalby, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-641-1775
DalbyPL@anes.upmc.edu

Derek Davis, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-641-5426
DavisDJ@anes.upmc.edu

Venkat Mantha, MD, Assistant Professor,
Department of Anesthesiology
412-641-1110
manthav@anes.upmc.edu

Al Darwich, MD, Visiting Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-641-2165
DarwichA@anes.upmc.edu

Dale Macmurdo, MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-3840
MacMSO@anes.upmc.edu

Jason Moore, MD, Chief Critical Care Medicine Fellow Instructor
412-641-1114
MoorJE@ccm.upmc.edu

Susan Dunmire , MD, Associate Professor,
Department of Emergency Medicine
412-647-3336
dunmiresm@upmc.edu

Ramesh Venkataram, MD , Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-647-8319
venkataramanr@anes.upmc.edu

Terry Edwards, MD , Assistant Professor,
Department of Critical Care Medicine
412-692-4894
Edwardstl@anes.upmc.edu

Eric Pekala, RRT, Respiratory Manager,
Department of Respiratory Care
412-664-2328
pekalaej@upmc.edu

Appendix B1 – Spring 2003 Research Committee Meeting Minutes

WISER Research Committee Meeting Minutes
May 8, 2003
1pm – 2pm

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Present: P. Winter, A. Grenvik, M. DeVita, P. Rogers, W. McIvor, J. O’Donnell, M. Pinsky, J. Schaefer, W. Stoy, H. Wang
Absent: R. Patel, S. Tisherman

---

Dr. Grenvik called the meeting to order at 1:10pm. Dr. Grenvik briefly discussed the annual report and gave an overview of the development of WISER since its inception in 1995 to the present.

Dr. Schaefer reviewed the course curriculum design and provided a brief description of how the curricula works in conjunction with the simulators and how this process has been simplified for the non experienced instructors.

Dr. Schaefer stated that the WISER Research Committee is presented with a unique opportunity for excellent work. However, there are several obstacles that challenge this effort.

• Amateur research writers
• Generating intranet resources
• Consultative and material resources
• How to support people with grant writing applications and research
• Grant information deadlines
• Information on major meetings and abstract deadlines

Dr. Pinsky suggested that the committee focus on the technical aspects and literature area and to involve the school of Education.

Dr. Grenvik stated that he would extend an invitation to Dr. Barbara Barnes and a member of the school of education to serve on the Research Committee.

A Presentation/Publication/Grant Information Program subcommittee will consist of Dr. McIvor (chair), Dr. Tisherman and John Lutz. Their first order of business is to establish contacts at the School of Education and the School of Public Health. Dr. McIvor stated that he would check when these departments conduct their grand rounds so that he could possibly present WISER at one or two of these meetings.

John Lutz will create a user friendly email directory for the use of the committee members to simplify communications.

An Investigation Design & Statistical Support Program Subcommittee with Mr. O’Donnell (chair) and Drs. Pinksy and Stoy.

A Mentorship Program subcommittee with Drs. Grenvik, Brindis and Patel. Dr. Winter also expressed a desire to join this subcommittee. Dr. Pinsky stated that he would look into possible fellow support for two years through a grant. Dr. Rogers suggested a need for descriptive materials such as a text book describing simulation concepts. Dr. Schaefer stated that those types of materials are already in the works with the concept of the Expert Centers. Dr. Pinsky also suggested conducting a teaching symposium at WISER.

The committee agreed to conduct the Research Committee Meetings monthly. The next meeting will be scheduled in early June. Look for communication from Jacqueline Gaines regarding the next committee meeting.

Respectfully submitted by
Jacqueline R. Gaines, Administrator
Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research

Appendix B2 – Spring 2003 Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research
Advisory Committee Meeting
Monday, June 30, 2003 @ 3:00 p.m. – MUH W720

Present: A. Grenvik (Chair), J. Schaefer, C. Brindis, A. Lesgold, M. Fink, P. Kochanek, W. Shaffner, R. Simmons, S. Kanter, J. Dunbar-Jacob, E. Concordia
Consultant members present: Robert Meeder
Absent: P. Winter, J. Williams
Consultant members absent: M. Witmer, P. Safar

MEETING MINUTES
The Advisory Committee Meeting was called to order at 3:02 p.m. by Dr. Ake Grenvik

Dr. Grenvik thanked everyone for his/her volunteered participation and stated that this committee intends to begin the meeting promptly and convene after one hour.

INTRODUCTION
Dr. Grenvik opened the meeting by asking for updates to the titles, ranks, and degrees of all committee members; Dean Lesgold reported that he is a Ph.D. and not an M.D.

Dr. Grenvik introduced and welcomed the newest committee members Dean Dunbar-Jacob, Mr. Paul O’Neill, Ms. Elizabeth Concordia, Dr. John Williams and Dr. Mitchell Fink.

Dr. Grenvik called for comments and/or recommendations regarding the Advisory Committee Composition and Charge (copy attached).

Dr. Brindis presented the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research Organization Chart. (copy attached).

WISER REPORTS
Jacqueline Gaines had distributed the Biennial 2000-2002 Report in advance via email. Dr. Grenvik commented that this first report was mainly a historical document describing the establishment of WISER.

Dr. Schaefer reviewed the mission statement and stated that it clearly reflects the intentions and overall goals related to both internal and external customers.

Dr. Schaefer stated that WISER moved into its current location at MUH – W720 in September of 2002. The initial funding support was $2.7 million over 5 years but this was decreased to $2.1 million in Jan. 2003. The Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, UPMC, School of Medicine and the School of Nursing all provided funding but the bulk of the funding was provided by a large Laerdal Foundation Grant.

Dr. Schaefer presented the WISER utilization and stated that the number of trainees increased from 600 in academic year 2000-2001 to over 5000 in academic year 2001-2002. Current user breakdown: Medical School 38%, Critical Care Medicine 27%, Department of Anesthesiology 19%, UPMC 14%, WISER 1%, and the School of Nursing1%.

The anticipated expansion to the McKee Place facility is critical to meeting the needs of both internal and external programs in addition to providing space and design necessary to pursue external financial opportunities, not possible in the current facility. It is very important to secure a permanent site of adequate size, conveniently located near the University Medical Center prior to vacating the Montefiore 7th floor location (a most valuable clinical site) or risk losing the availability of the McKee site, which is ideal and currently available.

The capital and operational funding is incomplete and additional funding must be secured via internal and external sources. As an example, In FY04 over $300,000 in funding could be generated through offering a limited number of for profit external CME courses.

Dr. Schaefer stated that the WISER website is up and running. The link to the Advisory Committee information will provide easier communications for the committee members. The website houses important Advisory Committee information, all of which is kept confidential.

ACTIVITIES & PLANS 2003-2004
Dr. Schaefer stated that the short-term goal of the Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research is to remain financially in the black and to relocate to the McKee Place site. Next academic year’s goal will focus on serving internal and external customers, prioritized training sessions, securing additional funding via internal and external sources, and increase operational charge to internal and external customers.

FUNDING SOURCES/POSSIBILITIES DISCUSSION
Question: Dr. Lesgold – Are you looking for a much bigger source of funding?
Answer: Dr. Schaefer – Yes, we are looking at various ways to raise money from the military and to NIH grants for the next fiscal year. The magic is trying to balance the budget with identified internal and external sources without compromising patient safety.

Question: Ms. Concordia – How would you like to balance internal funding and expand this to another model for internal and external customers?
No immediate answer.

Question: Dr. Simmons – What are the medical students getting out of this training? I would like to see the progress results. How much training can we give to UPMC vs. going commercial? What is the budgeting process?
No immediate answer.

Question: Dean Dunbar – What is the capacity to accommodate the proposed CME sessions?
Answer: Dr. Schaefer -we could double the capacity by increasing our staff in the following order of priority: Jacqueline Gaines, Tom Dongilli, and then myself.

Question: Dr. Fink – As the program becomes more intense, would it be an option to hire medics to teach training sessions? Would it be possible to mobilize the training sessions?

Suggestion: Dr. Kochanek – Develop a contact person in various areas and departments to act as a liaison for his/her department with the center. Also, Mr. O’Donnell would be a valuable asset to the center and should be recruited to assist.

CLOSING REMARKS, NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Grenvik stated that he believed there is a great need for WISER. Simulation in medical education is in an explosive phase of development and we could quickly outgrow even the McKee Place location.

Dr. Schaefer reiterated that we are in a unique position. No one else is offering the type of technology that currently exists at WISER.

Dr. Grenvik thanked everyone for attending today’s meeting and asked that additional comments or suggestions be sent to him or Dr. Schaefer.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. The next meeting of the Advisory Committee will be in late fall and hopefully at the McKee Place location.

Respectfully submitted by
Michelle Rankin recording for
Jacqueline R. Gaines, Administrator
Peter M. Winter Institute for Simulation Education and Research

Appendix C - Simulation Session, Training Classes, McKeesport Statistics

WISER McKeesport Satellite Center Statistics

• 46 scenarios from April 2003 to June 2003
• Opened in April 2003
• Currently implementing one course – Crisis Team Training
• 105 trainees from April 2003 to June 2003
• 11 sessions from April 2003 to June 2003

Appendix D - Current WISER funding projections

Please Note: In January 2003 as a result of indirect financial consequences of the Sept. 11, 2002 terrorist attack on the U.S.A., the UPMC Health System froze approx. $550,000 in FY03 funding of WISER. The projections below incorporates that decreased funding support primarily in terms of capital funds for the anticipated renovation of the McKee facility.

It is estimated that the McKee facility renovation cost will be approximately $1,000,000 of which $650,000 had been secured in FY 2002/2003.

Appendix E - Publications

Peer Review Articles

Rodgers PL, Grenvick A, Willenkin R: Teaching medical students complex cognitive skills in the Intensive Care Unit. Crit Care Med 23:575-581, 1995

Patel R. Crombleholme W: Using Simulation to train Residents in Critical Events. Academic Medicine 73:5; 1998

Rogers P: Developing a curriculum for medical students in critical care medicine. New Horizons 6:248-259, 1998

Murray M, Rogers P: Education in critical care medicine for medical students. New Horizons 6:244-246, 1998.

Powner D, Rogers PL: The process of educational change. Crit Care Med 27:2289-2290,1999

Schaefer JJ, Gonzalez R: Dynamic Simulation: A New Tool for Difficult airway Training of Professional Healthcare Providers. Invited articles in the American Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 27(3) pp 232-242; May 2000

Rogers PL, Jacobs H, Thomas E, Willenkin R: Medical students can learn the basic application, analytic, evaluative, and psychomotor skills of Critical Care Medicine 29: 1268-72; 2001

Schaefer JJ, Grenvick A: Simulation-based Training at the University of Pittsburgh. Annals Academy of Medicine 30(3): p274; May 2001

Rogers PL, Jacobs H, Rashwan A, Pinsky MR: Quantifying learning in the medical students during a critical care medicine elective: a comparison of three evaluation instruments. Crit Care Med 29:1268-73; 2001

Published Abstracts

Brindis C: "LGAS: A Real-Time Anesthesia Simulator" Int'l Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing. October, 1992

Schaefer J, Gonzalez R, et al: A New Method for Teaching the ASA Difficult Airway Management algorithm using A Full-Scale Human Simulator. Anesthesiology 85:A933; 1996

Schaefer JJ, Gonzalez R, Dongilli T: Results of Systematic Psychomotor Difficult Airway Training of Residents Using the ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm. Anesthesiology 89(3): page 60; November 1998

Rogers P, Jacobs H, Rashwan A, Pinsky M: Quantifying learning in the medical students during a Critical Care Medicine elective. Crit Care Med 27:A82, 1999

Wax RS, Pinsky MR, Dunmire S, Cox C, Rogers PL: Experience with mock resuscitation scenarios using a human simulator improves management of respiratory distress by medical students. Am J Resp and Crit Care Med 163:A258: 2001

Brindis, C: "Handheld Computing and Medical Education" Syllabus 2003, July, 2003

Romeo, R: "OB Anesthesia Simulator Teaching for Medical Students." 2003 SEA, Montreal

Frankel H, Rogers PL, Gandhi R, Freid E, Kirton O: What is taught, what is tested: Findings and competency-based recommendations of the Undergraduates Medical Education Committee of the Society of Critical Care Medicine UGMEC). Supp Crit Care Med 31:A125; 2003

Grants

Schaefer JJ, Kochanek P, Firestone L: Establishing a Major Simulation and Education Center to include Research in Education. Funded in the amount of $988,000 by the Asmund S. Laerdal Foundation of Acute Medicine, Inc., New York, USA. January 2001

Schaefer J: Laerdal Foundation Grant for a development of simulator curriculum, July 1999

Schaefer J: Educational Grant From Glaxo Wellcome Pharmaceuticals Co. for development of a simulation based "Remifentanyl Preceptorship Course", September 1996

Schaefer J: Fletcher J, Gonzalez RM: Educational Grant From Glaxo Wellcome Pharmaceuticals Co. for development of a simulation-based "Anesthesiology Preceptorship Course", June 1995

Schaefer J: University of Pittsburgh Advanced Instructional Technology Grant, February 13, 1995

Schaefer J: University of Pittsburgh Specialized Instructional Lab Grant, January 6, 1995

Patents

Schaefer JJ: U.S. Patent #5,823,787 Awarded October 20, 1998 for difficult airway simulator

Brindis C: U.S. Patent #5,385,474 Awarded January 31, 1995 for the Software Concepts behind LGAS - a screen-based anesthesia-training device.

Awards

Schaefer J: E.C. Pierce Award for a best patient related scientific exhibit from the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, 2000 ASA Annual Meeting entitled, Sim-Based Training in Applying the ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm"

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