Simulation Programme
College of Anaesthesiologists Simulation Training (CAST) Programme: Leading Simulation-Based Education for Anaesthesiologists
Since its launch in 2010, the College of Anaesthesiologists Simulation Training (CAST) Programme has become a cornerstone of anaesthesiology education. What began with a few optional courses has evolved into a comprehensive and essential component of anaesthesiology training. Over the years, the programme has grown steadily, offering a diverse range of courses that continue to shape the skills of anaesthesiologists in training.
Each year, the CAST Programme provides more than 60 simulation courses to trainees in the Specialist Anaesthesiology Training (SAT) programme. Courses are held at three state-of-the art simulation centres across Ireland in Dublin (CAI CAST Simulation Centre), Cork (ASSERT Simulation Centre), and Galway (ICAPSS Centre). Additionally, the programme collaborates with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to deliver multidisciplinary courses, promoting collaboration across healthcare specialties.
Innovative Learning Environment
The CAST Programme offers anaesthesiology trainees a dynamic platform to advance their clinical expertise and develop both technical and non-technical skills through immersive, hands-on simulation training. Designed to provide a safe and realistic environment, the programme allows learners to practice managing complex clinical scenarios, building confidence and competency. Our multidisciplinary training courses provide an opportunity to develop effective teamwork, communication, and crisis resource management skills, while also preparing participants for challenging conversations, including those related to adverse events.
Expert Lead Courses
Our simulation courses are taught by a dedicated team of clinicians with expertise in simulation-based education, including consultant anaesthesiologists, intensivists, and other healthcare professionals with specialized expertise across a range of subspecialties. Committed to excellence in simulation-based education, we continuously support the professional development of our faculty, ensuring that every course is delivered to the highest standard and reflects the latest advancements in medical education.
Advanced Facilities for Cutting-Edge Training
The CAI Simulation Centre features two state-of-the-art, high-fidelity simulation rooms, one of which replicates an Operating Theatre Suite or other Perioperative settings. In 2018, the centre was expanded to include a Critical Care Simulation Suite with two advanced simulation bays, providing the latest resources for comprehensive critical care education.
A Collaborative Network
The success of the CAST Programme is driven by the dedication of a multidisciplinary team, including consultants, trainees, fellows, nurses, and College staff, all working together to provide an exceptional educational experience. We take pride in our role in advancing simulation-based education, both within our institution and beyond. By partnering with national and international organizations, we help shape best practices and keep our programme at the forefront of educational innovation.
Commitment to Excellence in Simulation-Based Education
As an anaesthesiologist and simulation educator, I take great pride in being part of a community dedicated to excellence both in patient care and healthcare education. As we navigate a rapidly evolving sociocultural and technological landscape, I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to further advance our educational practices.
Our well-established, structured simulation training programme allows us to deepen our understanding of human factors and their impact on performance, enhance psychological safety, and most importantly, improve the care we provide to our patients. I firmly believe that simulation is one of the most powerful educational tools available to us, equipping us to meet the complex demands of modern anaesthesiology.
At the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland, our simulation faculty -consultants, trainee doctors, fellows, and staff- forms the backbone of our programme. Their commitment to continuous education and expertise have sustained our national simulation programme over the years, and I am honoured to work alongside such a passionate and dedicated group.
Looking ahead, my goal is to enhance our simulation programme by integrating it with our comprehensive multimodal education programme, promoting research and innovation, fostering opportunities for national and international collaboration, and cultivating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
I look forward to building this future with you.
BIO:
Dr. Maya Contreras, MD, PhD, FCRCSI, Dip Med Ed is a Consultant Anaesthesiologist at University Hospital Galway (UHG) and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Galway. She completed her medical degree at Semmelweis University, Budapest in 1999, and began her Anaesthesia and Intensive Care training in Hungary. In 2012, she finished her higher specialty training in Ireland while also earning a PhD in Lung Biology from the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Dr. Contreras’ dedication to education inspired her to pursue fellowships in simulation-based education, first in the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (CAI) and then at the University of Toronto, Canada. While in Toronto, she was appointed Assistant Professor and actively participated in leading the Anaesthesia Crisis Resource Management Simulation course for postgraduate residents.
In 2017, Dr Contreras returned to Ireland to become Simulation Lead at the Department of Anaesthesia (UHG), where she developed an active and sustainable simulation programme in collaboration with the CAI and ICAPSS Centre. In 2023, she and her colleagues introduced a Simulation and Airway Fellowship programme at UHG.
An active member of the CAST programme, CAI, and the Irish Association for Simulation (IAS), Dr Contreras is currently pursuing a Master’s in Organisational Behaviour Sciences at DCU Business School. Her academic focus lies in leveraging simulation-based education to drive cultural and organizational change, with a particular emphasis on enhancing safety for patients and healthcare professionals alike.
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To read more about the different CAST Course’s we offer, download the document below:
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Our Simulation Centre
The Simulation Centre offers state-of-the-art facilities, featuring two fully equipped simulation suites. One is located in the basement and the other on the third floor of the Mews Building. Each suite includes control rooms, viewing/debrief rooms, and advanced multimedia capabilities to support immersive learning experiences.
The Operating Theatre Simulation Suite, fitted with a wireless SimMan® 3G PLUS, is designed to mirror the environment of a real operating theatre, providing realistic and hands-on training for healthcare professionals.
In the Critical Care Simulation Suite, two simulation bays offer enhanced training. The Intensive Care Bay is equipped with a wireless SimMan® 3G, integrated with a lung simulator, ICU ventilator, monitors, and infusion pumps. Adjacent to this is the Obstetric Ward Bay, featuring SimMom®—a life-sized birthing simulator capable of simulating both normal and complex deliveries. The Obstetric Bay can also be adapted as an Emergency Department or Paediatric Ward, where SimBaby® and SimJunior® are available for paediatric training scenarios.
These cutting-edge facilities provide a dynamic environment for developing both technical and non-technical skills, including crisis resource management for individuals and teams. The centre also offers a range of part-task trainers, such as Spinal/Epidural simulators, Airway Management Heads, Front of Neck Access and Vascular Access task trainers, supporting focused skill development in specific procedures.
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When do I get my allocations?
Trainees will be allocated a course and date in June and December respectively by the CAI. The email will contain the following:
- Course name, Course date and Venue
- A statement advising that the course is mandatory and failure to attend may result in failure to progress
- A requirement to the trainee to inform the head of department, Tutor, medical manpower and rota organiser that they are to attend on given day
- A requirement to confirm attendance with CAI at least two weeks prior to the date of the course
What should I do if I cannot attend
A new course date (not necessarily in the same six months) will be arranged for trainees if they cannot attend due to the following reasons:
- Adequate notification has been given
- Personal or family illness – a GP certificate will be required
- Pre-planned annual leave – requires confirmation from the department or details of flight etc.
- Maternity leave
- Sitting an exam two weeks prior to the allocated course date – requires confirmation of the examination
If the hospital refuses the trainee leave due to constraints with the department, a letter to the simulation administrator should be sent from the head of department or tutor. Apart from the reasons listed above a new course date will not be arranged for a trainee for that six month period. Failure to attend on the day or failure to reply two weeks in advance will result in a charge of €100 directly to the trainee Failure to attend on the day or failure to reply two weeks in advance may mean failure to progress on the training programme. If, for reasons outside our control, the CAI needs to cancel a course, a place on the same course will be offered to the trainee on a different date with as much notice as possible. CAI will inform head of departments and tutors of the schedule for the six months.
How can I register for simulation courses?
Due to the high demand for the college simulation courses there is currently a waiting list for all simulation courses. If you contact the simulation department by email simulation@coa.ie you will be added to the waiting list. Once spaces become available on any simulation course everyone on the waiting list is contacted and the places are offered on a fist come first served basis.
How can I get funding to attend simulation courses?
The Continuous Professional Development Support Scheme (CPD-SS) is an educational programme specifically designed for NCHDs who are not enrolled on a recognised post-graduate training programme. Doctors enrolled on the CDP-SS are entitled to attend training events and activities organised and approved by the College at no cost to themselves. The aim of the programme is to support NCHDs to meet their requirements under the Professional Competence Scheme. Once enrolled, you will be able to access training and educational activities worth up to 20 external CPD credits or totalling three days per year, whichever is greatest.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be enrolled with the College for PCS
- You must hold the NCHD Contract 2010
- You must work within the public health service
- You must not be enrolled on either an Intern training scheme or a Specialist training scheme
- You must be registered on either the Supervised or General Division of the Register as held by the Irish Medical Council
What courses are available to me on the CPD-SS?
We offer a wide variety of courses throughout the year, details of which are available on our website. Examples include:
- Irish Congress of Anaesthesia
- Advanced Airways Management
- Basic Assessment and Support in Intensive Care
- Advanced Vascular Access
- College of Anaesthesiologists Of Ireland Simulation courses
How do I register?
Registration for CPD-SS open in July every year, simply email rwilliams@coa.ie with the subject ‘Registration for CPD-SS’. Your email must include the following information:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your CAI College ID
- Your Medical Council Registration Number
- Your current work location and job title
2017 Finalist Irish Education Award for ‘The College of Anaesthetists Simulation Training Programme – Activity and Quality Report 2010 – 2016’ 2016 Commendation Best Education Project Category at the Irish HealthCare Awards 2016 for ‘The College of Anaesthetists Simulation Training Programme – A Quality Report 2010-2016’
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre team for more information on telephone 01 2650600 or email simulation@coa.ie.