Idaho State to Explore Simulation Training Partnerships

The campus of Idaho State University (ISU) will host Trajectory Consulting and Solutions, a leader in the field of simulation and training, who are set to make an on-site visit November 9 to 11. The visit marks a significant step forward in a plan to enhance the university's simulation capabilities.

Simulations are valuable training tools for ISU students in many fields, including health care. The Department of Theatre and Dance at ISU plays a pivotal role in simulations by facilitating actors to portray roles in various scenarios, so that students across campus can get valuable, realistic experience.

In 2020, ISU began collaborating virtually with Trajectory, providing valuable training to various stakeholders, including nursing, athletic training, and theatre students. Annual simulation events have been hosted, the latest in September, involving 200 students from across campus. This partnership enhanced the simulation events already taking place on campus, and faculty members realized there was an opportunity for more ambitious collaboration.

Vanessa Ballam, Professor of Theatre at ISU, who plays a key role in organizing simulation events on campus says that “the dream is for Trajectory to work with us to enhance what we’re doing or start new endeavors.”

ISU hopes to work closely with Trajectory to not only improve current simulation practices but also explore new possibilities. The upcoming visit aims to bring together all parties interested in simulation and forge collaborations that transcend the boundaries of individual departments.

During their stay, representatives from Trajectory will meet with stakeholders to discuss existing simulation programs and potential future projects. They will also tour ISU's facilities to assess the current state of simulation resources. The ultimate goal is to create a destination for simulation at ISU and to open it up to the wider community.

In the past, theatre students have filled this role, and the value of their skills has become increasingly apparent on campus. Theatre faculty over the past few years have provided training and opportunities to theatre students to participate in simulations, something which benefits both the theatre student and the participating students in other departments.

Simulation at ISU has, until now, been largely outside of the standard curriculum, with dedicated faculty members contributing their expertise. However, the university is moving towards incorporating simulation into courses for interested students.

One exciting development on the horizon is the creation of a certification program for standardized patients to establish a pool of certified individuals who can be called upon by various departments when the need for standardized patients arises.

What sets this endeavor apart is its interdisciplinary nature. ISU seeks to bring together departments from across campus to collaborate and push the boundaries of what can be achieved through simulation. This effort is not limited to a specific field but aims to better prepare students for the real world by offering comprehensive training experiences.

“There are so many departments and students involved,” Ballam says. “It’s quite effective and we can be even more effective. What we’re doing is already amazing and we’re ready to take it to the next level.”

The Trajectory visit in November is an important step towards achieving this vision. Paula Phelps and Danni Moffat from the Athletic Training department, as well as Vanessa Ballam and members of the Department of Theatre and Dance, have played a significant role in making this partnership possible. Their efforts, along with the support of various other departments and students, are the driving force behind this groundbreaking initiative.

The university extends an invitation to the public to attend the Trajectory intake meetings and tour the ISU simulation facilities.

ISU envisions not only enhancing its academic offerings but also establishing itself as a center for innovation and excellence in simulation and training.

“We’re going to create a destination for simulation here at ISU,” Ballam says. “We want this to be something that ISU is known for.” 

For more information about the stakeholder meetings and tours, please contact Vanessa Ballam at 812-369-5372.