Wards Simulation Platform

How This Works

This is an interactive phone call simulation. You'll speak with Alex in a realistic clinical communication scenario.

1. Start Call

Click "Start Call" when you're ready. Speak naturally as you would on a real call.

2. Have the Conversation

10 minutes to complete the call. The AI responds in real-time to what you say.

3. Get Feedback

End the call when finished. You'll receive AI-powered feedback on your communication.

💡 Tip: Speak clearly and at a natural pace. If you need a moment to think, it's okay to pause briefly - just as you would in a real conversation.

Briefing Details

1. Learning: Teaching Inhaler Technique

Purpose of this Scenario

Correct inhaler technique is one of the most critical factors in asthma management. Studies show a majority of patients use their inhaler incorrectly, leading to poor symptom control. This simulation focuses on teaching the correct use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer, a best practice for improving medication delivery to the lungs.

Key teaching points for MDI + Spacer use:

The "Why": Explain that the spacer is not an optional accessory; it slows the medication down so more of it gets into the lungs instead of the back of the throat.
The Sequence: The order of operations is critical: Shake, breathe out fully, seal lips, press, breathe in slowly, and hold.
The "Slow Breath": Emphasize that the inhalation should be slow and deep, not fast and sharp. If they hear a "whistling" sound from the spacer, they are breathing in too quickly.
The Hold: Explain the importance of holding their breath for 10 seconds to allow the medication to settle in the airways.

2. Scenario Briefing

Your Objective

Your objective is to teach Alex, a 16-year-old newly diagnosed with asthma, how to correctly use their albuterol inhaler with a spacer. You must explain the steps clearly, provide the rationale for using a spacer, and use the "teach-back" method to ensure they can demonstrate the technique correctly.

Patient Background

Alex is a 16-year-old who developed a persistent cough and wheeze after a cold. They have been diagnosed with mild, intermittent asthma and are being prescribed their first rescue inhaler.

Crucial Information: Alex is a typical teenager: a bit nonchalant, overconfident, and likely to think they know how to use it without listening to the full instructions. They are skeptical about the "big plastic tube" (the spacer).

Learning Objectives

Optional prep details

After completing this scenario, you will be able to:

Explain the rationale for using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
Describe the correct, sequential steps for using an MDI with a spacer.
Identify common patient errors in inhaler technique to anticipate and correct them.

Optional Pre-Call Knowledge Check

Optional self-check before you start

What is the primary reason for using a spacer with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)?

During the teach-back method, a teenager inhales very quickly and sharply, like sniffing. Why is this technique incorrect for an MDI with a spacer?

What is the main goal of using the teach-back method when educating a patient?

After shaking the inhaler, what is the correct sequence of actions before the patient begins to inhale?

New Asthma: Inhaler Use