Home GrownMoulage Tips

By Alaina Herrington and Julie Poore

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the word fidelity and whether we should even use it to describe simulation modalities. To some the word is synonymous with a high level of technology, while others – like us – equate fidelity to the degree with which a simulation mimics reality. For example, if the student’s objective is to complete postmortem care, a low-fidelity simulator with moulage could create a high-fidelity simulation. Setting the stage requires the simulation expert to provide the maximum degree of authenticity, but how can one achieve realism on a low budget?

The HomeGrown Solution website has several inexpensive examples. Following are some of our favorite Homegrown solutions.

  1. Morbidly Obese Suit

11Capture.JPGBecause of staff and budgetary limitations, many small simulation labs have difficulty creating realistic obese clients. This idea not only transformed an old manikin, but improved our ability to expose learners to concepts related to obesity in a realistic way, including assessment for peripheral edema in heart failure, ascites in liver failure, and overall care for a morbidly obese client. After transforming this old manikin, and realizing the educational value of having an obese manikin, we decided to maintain the moulage. Minor changes of wigs and the half mask make it easy to create a different client with little work.

  1. Leg Wound

Author: NLNTEQ

The National League for Nursing promotes excellence in nursing education to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the health of our nation and the global community. In today's technology-rich environment, nurse educators need to be up-to-date on the latest innovations in simulation, e-learning, telehealth, and the integration of informatics into curricula. Known throughout the nursing education community as a staunch advocate for simulation and technology, the NLN has created simulation scenarios for use across curricula, pioneered nursing education webinars; established an annual technology conference, now in its second decade; and incorporates technology into all its initiatives. The Center for Innovation in Simulation and Technology engages in resource development and collaborative partnerships to advance the faculty role with simulation and emerging technology

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