With simulators, we can rapidly train health care workers during pandemics or for new diseases

Maverick began as a pioneer in 3D scanning and printing in India, before venturing into medical simulators in 2019. Since then, it has built a diverse portfolio in the field. In a conversation with THE WEEK, Kanika Chahal, cofounder and director of Maverick Simulation Solutions, discusses creating world-class medical simulators and how simulation-based training is evolving to address emerging challenges.

- Nirmal Jovial

Excerpts:

What do you take into consideration while making medical simulators? What are the various kinds of simulators created by Maverick?

Simulation means creating a replica of a real scenario. For example, in aviation, pilots first train in flight simulators for months before flying an aircraft. The same concept is now used in medicine. A new doctor should not have their first experience directly on a patient. Instead, they can practise, make mistakes and gain confidence in a simulated, safe environment, like with LuSi.

We have task trainers—basic simulators without automated feedback. The trainer gives feedback instead, helping the trainee develop motor skills like inserting an IV or suturing. Then we have medium and high-fidelity simulators, which provide direct feedback via sensors, software or signals.

In medium fidelity, we have a CPR simulator and an ausculta tion trainer for learning heart, lung and bowel sounds. These sounds are the same worldwide.