Anne's a patient unlike any other

MURRAY WILSON

NO DUMMY: Nursing lecturer Marie Henderson examines UCOL's latest addition, Anne, a life-like mannequin. Nursing students can practise their skills on Anne's simulated lungs, stomach and heart.

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Students can poke, prod and inject UCOL's latest staff member without fear of her dying.

Anne – a life-like mannequin – is designed for simulated nursing care.

Unlike previous dummies, she's complete with heartbeat, breathing sounds, and the ability to cough, moan and scream.

She represents the changing face of nursing training.

Nursing lecturer Marie Henderson said that previously students had to test their diagnostic skills on each other.

"Now they don't have to persuade their colleagues to strip down."

Mrs Henderson said students can practise procedures without fear of killing someone – although Anne will scream back.

She can take on symptoms of asthma, irregular heart beats, or pregnancy, which students must diagnose in more standardised training and assessment.

Anne can also become Andy by swapping genital pieces.

UCOL's 100 first-year students will try her out this term.

Human-like mannequins are designed to build confidence and teach problem-solving to trainees.

"Years ago, doctors just gave nurses orders. Now nurses are being more involved in decision making and patient assessment," Mrs Henderson said.

Feedback from hospital staff indicates nurses can deal better with medical emergencies, she said.

Nursing lecturer Susie le Page said the interactive mannequin replicates an educational experience that is often not possible during student placement.

Like real patients, she doesn't always behave.

Students may need to diagnose heart problems while dealing with vomiting or a wet bed.

Tutors mix gelatine and food colouring for blood and aioli for pus to add to the realism.

Mrs Henderson said improved training will save more lives.

- © Fairfax NZ News