Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD)

ILEAD’s Julie Sydow (left), senior education technician, ILEAD Client Relations Team 5; and Elna Davis, education program specialist, ILEAD Client Relations Team 3, work the demonstration station for the game-based learning training modules during the 2023 International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare. (VA courtesy photo)

The 2023 International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) was held Jan. 21-25 in Orlando, Florida, and VHA’s Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD’s) game-based learning (GBL) module STROKE – Keep the Brain Alive in 45 was named Best Impact Winner.

The peer-chosen winner of the award was determined by the more than 4,000 attendees after a three-hour evaluation period. The attendees voted and determined that it had “the most impressive degree of effect on the IMSH community.”

IMSH is a scientific conference that explores the latest innovations and best practices in health care simulation worldwide. The stroke training module provides experiential learning for all VHA employees. Specifically, front line staff learn the seven signs of stroke by experiencing avatars having stroke symptoms in a real-world environment. Clinicians diagnose and treat stroke victim avatars in real time, either in person, or using the VHA Telestroke program for a virtual neurologist.

 The win is the second in as many months as ILEAD’s Virtual Reality Simulated Delirium Environment (VRSDE) for Geriatrics and Extended Care training module, came away with both the Innovation and People’s Choice Awards at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) Nov. 28-Dec. 2 in Orlando. Both products competed at both events together. I/ITSEC is the world’s largest modeling, simulation and training event.

For both training modules, learners will experience real-world clinical environments in real time on their PC, iPad or iPhone application, and will receive continuing medical education credits in a variety of accreditations. The Stroke training module will soon be available on TMS and Apple iOS store to play/download.

These products are just a few of what ILEAD provides in the way of professional development, education and training tools that give staff what they need to provide Veterans the best care available.

To learn more about ILEAD, click here.