Here is the first book to respond to the growing movement towards clinical simulations in health care education. It provides all of the guidance needed to make an informed decision about whether to begin using patient simulators . describes how to develop and operate a simulation center . and discusses how to design educational and assessment simulations that reflect specific educational curricula. Features the expertise of three authorities who have extensive experience in working with the University of Louisville School of Medicine's Dr. John M. and Dorothy Paris Simulation Center-one of the leading medical simulation centers in the world. Explains the value of simulation for a variety of healthcare disciplines and discusses which types of simulations are most relevant for each field. Discusses the resources (space, personnel, equipment) needed to establish a simulation program. Evaluates the specific simulation products that are currently available. Details the "nuts and bolts" of preparing relevant "patients" and scenarios. Describes applications for assessment, certification, and re-certification. Presents an overview of future trends in simulation (such as virtual reality simulations) and discusses issues related to planning for simulation center growth. With 29 additional contributors.