What is a SimBaby and how is it used?

Sep 11, 2009 -

What is a SimBaby and how is it used?

A SimBaby or Simulated Baby is a life-size robotic model of a baby which can imitate the characteristics of a human baby. It is used as a training aid to teach healthcare workers. For example, it can be programmed to simulate a sick baby suffering from flu by showing the corresponding vital signs like increase in body temperature indicating a fever, wheezing, low blood pressure etc.

“Baby Gertrude lays in her cot, in St Mary’s Hospital, within London in the UK. She moves about a little, her chest rising and falling with her breath, and starts to cry, then coughs… She is designed to train paediatricians on every scenario their mentors can think of … “

(Source: www.virtualworldlets.net/Resources/Hosted/Resource.php?Name=SimBaby

Last accessed on 2 September 2009)

To watch a video of a SimBaby in action, you can visit the BBC video on “Getrude: the simulated baby”:

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7674250.stm

Here are some links showing how SimBaby is used as a teaching medical aid:

www.pnc.edu/cd/news/Sim.html

www.laerdal.com.sg/doc/35836156/SimBaby.html

www.lifespan.org/rih/services/simctr/facilities/simbaby.htm

Here are suggested titles on baby care available in the libraries:

The rough guide to babies and toddlers : the essential guide to caring for babies and toddlers
By Kaz Cooke
London : Rough Guides, 2009
Call No.: 649.122 COO -[FAM]