Serving both the University of Pittsburgh and the UPMC health system, the Winter Institute for Simulation, Education, and Research (WISER) is no stranger to the wide range of demands simulation is often tasked with satisfying. Fully accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in Teaching/Education, Assessment, Research, Systems Integrations, and Fellowship Programs, WISER is dedicated to the improvement of the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery with the creation of innovative programs geared towards patient care outcomes improvement while simultaneously providing professional development opportunities for those interested in improving their skillset as simulationists. In alignment with their mission to advance healthcare simulation and education, WISER offers a suite of tools to support simulation centers in developing, managing, and enhancing their educational programs. Central to this support is the Simulation Information Management System (SIMS), a robust, cloud-based platform designed to streamline operations across simulation centers. This HealthySimulation.com article by Dr. Teresa Gore will highlight the benefits of the WISER SIMS tool.
The Simulation Information Management System (SIMS)
SIMS was originally created to support the physical growth and increased utilization of WISER, but was quickly released publicly to help other centers become more efficient, reduce costs, and optimize the allocation of their resources and staff time. This system was created specifically to address the wants, needs, and pain points of those in the simulation community leading to a streamlined management process. Users can utilize SIMS for a variety of functions, such as creating templates for classes to aid in scheduling, data procurement, and calendar customization. SIMS also empowers both learners and faculty with customized curricula, including presentations, documents, and videos, in addition to assessments and surveys that can capture learning milestones as pre-and-post course work.
Healthcare Simulation: Simplified Scheduling and Seamless Communication
SIMS was built to address the complexities in the management of simulation center logistics. SIMS intuitive scheduling system allows users to manage rooms, equipment, and personnel across multiple locations from any device. Features like customizable calendar views, class templates, and automated alerts prevent double bookings and simplify coordination.
Communication is also streamlined through SIMS. Automated and manual email notifications keep instructors, participants, and administrators informed about enrollments, schedule changes, and event updates. Custom dashboard announcements further enhance internal communication to ensure the timely dissemination of critical information.
View the new HealthySimulation.com Community Administrators Group to discuss this topic with your Global Healthcare Simulation peers!
Integrated Curriculum and Data Management
Beyond scheduling, SIMS supports curriculum delivery and data tracking. SIMS accommodates instructional materials, such as videos and PowerPoints, quizzes, surveys, and evaluations, creating a centralized learning experience. Bulk enrollment and single sign-on capabilities simplify account management, especially for large institutions.
SIMS also offers powerful reporting tools: Users can export attendance records, quiz results, and utilization data, essential for billing, performance tracking, and demonstrating value to stakeholders. The system enables detailed monitoring of participant types, equipment usage, and encounter hours.
Designed by Simulationists, for Simulationists: With over two decades of development, SIMS reflects the real-world needs of simulation professionals. Its flexibility and user-friendly design make it ideal for centers with diverse staffing, equipment, and operational requirements. As one user noted, “It’s built for our world.”
Upcoming SIMS Webinar!
Interested in seeing SIMS in action? Join us for our upcoming SIMS webinar on HealthySimulation.com, January 6, 2025, at 12pm EST / 9am PST! You will be able to watch a live demonstration by Kim Mitchell, a Senior Software Developer here at WISER and ask questions. Click on the link below to register for this webinar. If you miss this live presentation, click below and watch the recording.
View the HealthySimulation.com Webinar How to Use the SIMS Application to Manage Your Healthcare Simulation Center to learn more!
Explore SIMS at IMSH 2026
Visit WISER at Booth #344 during the International Meeting for Simulation
in Healthcare (IMSH) in San Antonio, Texas, from January 10–14, 2026.
More About the WISER Center at UPMC
The expertise required to deliver effective simulation-based healthcare education and training that focuses on the direct improvement in patient care outcomes cannot be overstated. Facilitators and instructors often utilize simulation to teach diverse learners, that ranges from nursing or medical students to practicing professionals. Simulation sessions may be tailored to specific fields, like obstetrics and intensive care, or involve multidisciplinary participants for team training events, such as in-situ simulation. This feat not only requires instructors and facilitators to be familiar with the various equipment and simulators needed to run scenarios, but also the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, deploy, and debrief the entire healthcare simulation session.
The development of clinical simulation professionals within the field of healthcare simulation can be a challenge for any institution. The Winter Institute for Simulation, Education, and Research (WISER) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) provides unique opportunities to overcome these challenges in effective ways through their WISER Academy courses. Directed by Paul Phrampus, MD, CPE, FSSH, the WISER Institute features instructional technologies and methods to develop innovative healthcare education programs that ultimately aim to improve the welfare and safety of the general public. Learn more about WISER in the HealthySimulation.com vendor directory listing.
Additional Resources from WISER
WISER offers a range of professional development programs to support simulation educators and operations specialists:
- TechSim Online & Onsite: Mapped to the SSH CHSOS exam, these courses teach best practices for simulation support and offer CPD credits.
- Improving Simulation Instructional Methods (iSIM): Developed with the Gordon Center, this hands-on course equips educators with skills in scenario design, assessment, and debriefing.
- Fellowship & Visiting Scholars Program: SSH-accredited and highly customizable, this program allows participants to work alongside WISER leadership to develop expertise in simulation center management. Duration ranges from one month to two years.
These educational offerings underscore WISER’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of simulation professionals and advancing the field of healthcare education.
