SimSimple in Practice – Preparing a Specialized Ward Before Opening

How do you prepare staff for the opening of a new hospital ward—especially one dedicated to caring for people living with dementia?

One hospital’s simulation team turned to Visually Enhanced Mental Simulation (VEMS) to help staff build readiness before the first patients arrived.

Instead of using high-tech mannequins or relying on role-play, the team created simple cardboard cutouts to represent consumers. These visuals allowed staff to practice how they would respond to both behavioural and medical emergencies in the new ward environment.

The simulations served two key purposes:

1. Testing Processes and Systems
   Staff rehearsed how to respond to common behavioural challenges in dementia care—such as agitation or wandering—using the cutouts to stand in for patients. They also trialled responses to medical emergencies, ensuring equipment, roles, and escalation pathways were clear in the new physical environment.

2. Building Confidence and Team Readiness
   By walking through realistic scenarios before patients arrived, staff developed familiarity with the ward layout, practiced teamwork, and identified potential gaps in processes. The format allowed them to pause, reflect, and adjust without pressure, creating a supportive space for learning.

What surprised many participants was just how engaging and useful the sessions were. The simplicity of the visuals kept the focus on teamwork, communication, and systems design, rather than on technical skills. Staff left the sessions feeling more confident, prepared, and connected as a team.

This case demonstrates the power of VEMS for service readiness: simple tools that help staff prepare for complex realities—long before the first patient crosses the threshold.

Want ready made tools to explore how VEMS can support staff readiness in your setting? Check out SimSimple products here.