WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities expands learning opportunities for healthcare students to better treat patients with Down syndrome

The WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) has partnered with the WV STEPS Center to expand healthcare simulation training opportunities with a new learning tool designed to reflect the unique health needs of patients with Down syndrome.

The David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) at West Virginia University is an accredited state-of-the-art facility for experiential learning through simulations that provide a safe environment with fully-responsive technology for students. The Center features patient simulators ranging from premature babies to adults for students to learn life-saving procedures, develop interprofessional communication skills, and use new technologies before going into patient care environments.

“It’s important for students to have the opportunity to engage with a variety of patients in their training as they are refining their skills in patient-centered care. Not all patients present the same, and that’s where Gwen can help,” said Dr. Lesley Cottrell, WVU CED director.

Gwen is the world’s first training manikin with Down syndrome developed by Lifecast Body Simulation, a leader in realistic training manikins. While patients with Down syndrome are unique, some physical traits can be common, including low muscle tone, shorter stature, almond-shaped eyes, and smaller hands and feet. The realistic training manikin was formed from a 3D body scan of a seven-year-old girl named Gwen who lives in the UK with her family.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, approximately 1 in 6 children in the U.S. have a developmental disability. Adding to the existing 200+ hours of specialized training available through the WV STEPS Center, groundbreaking learning tools like Gwen will further prepare WVU medical degree (MD) students to provide the best care possible to patients with disabilities in West Virginia and beyond.

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CONTACT: Melina Danko
Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
304-293-4692; mdanko@hsc.wvu.edu