Decision Simulation, the Chadds Ford, Pa.-based provider of web-based, branched narrative virtual patient platforms, has announced the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has selected DecisionSim as its virtual patient platform for the SimLEARN (Simulation, Learning, Education and Research Network) program. SimLEARN is a national program furthering the advancement of simulation training and education.

SimLEARN aims to provide VHA educators training through operational strategies and simulation technology in order to meet specific training goals, including those of several national clinical plans. The program will use DecisionSim to allow VHA providers the ability to review and practice systems-based protocols while applying clinical reasoning skills to each situation.

These efforts will aim to help providers improve their performance in clinical settings and lead to better patient care. This initial pilot will enable 43,000 VHA employees throughout the U.S. to utilize DecisionSim during the next year. The total contract award is approximately $1 million.

In addition to utilizing the virtual patient authoring and learning platform, DecisionSim will fully integrate with the VHA’s talent management system (TMS). Decision Simulation says the branched narrative teaching approach of DecisionSim allows users to explore different decision paths and observe the consequences of their decisions.