DENTAL SCHOOL CLINICAL SKILLS AND SIMULATION CENTERS

Phases I and II

Estimated Project Cost:  $2,700,000 

Phase I:  $1,200,000

Phase II:  $1,500,000

Project Description:  Phase I, completed in September 2004, included the design of Phase I and II -- construction, furnishing, and equipping of a 7,500 net square foot clinical simulation laboratory.  Phase II of the project entails the actual construction, furnishing, and equipping on the first floor of the Old Dental School Building to be used as a clinical skills assessment center.  The center will be made up of ten (10) exam rooms with clinical support space, waiting rooms, medical and telecommunications equipment, and lounge space for the simulated patients (actors) used for much of the testing program.  In addition, the renovation will include the lobby of the building and a new security desk. 

Justification:  In 2003, the University entered into a subcontract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).  Its purpose is for faculty at Temple School of Medicine to develop and disseminate health related educational offerings of interest to the DOD.  The focus is on topics related to CBR catastrophes that could affect military or civilian populations.  Certain skills can be both acquired and tested in the clinical skills center described above, using actual or standardized patients and in the simulation center already constructed in Phase I.  The use of both is anticipated to develop clinical knowledge and skills in care givers rapidly and efficiently.  This will result in the ability of health care providers at varying levels of sophistication to acquire requisite clinical knowledge and skills and for the public at large to acquire necessary knowledge related both directly and indirectly to CBR events.  This project is totally funded through the DOD.