CAPE | Center for Advanced Pediatric & Perinatal Education
Simulation-based training to ensure better care
Founded in 2002 through a philanthropic gift from an anonymous community donor, the Center for Advanced Pediatric & Perinatal Education (CAPE) offers interactive simulation-based learning experiences and conducts human and system performance research in the obstetric, fetal, neonatal, and pediatric sciences.
Inspired by collaborations with NASA, the FAA and other high-risk industries, CAPE’s Director Dr. Lou Halamek established CAPE on the principle that rigorous training and objective assessment will produce optimal human and system performance. CAPE’s vision is to see a world in which all people receive the safest, most efficient and effective healthcare.
Training Programs and Opportunities
CAPE serves as a training and research resource for healthcare professionals at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and Stanford University School of Medicine as well as local, regional, national and international audiences. Our clinical training programs offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to enhance the cognitive, technical, and behavioral skills necessary for optimal patient care. In addition, we offer state-of-the-art instruction in designing and conducting simulation-based training and debriefing programs.
Simulation Instructor Program
Healthcare professionals learn to design and deliver highly effective training programs for their own hospitals, clinics, and education centers. This is CAPE’s most comprehensive program for those interested in simulation-based learning and debriefing. Both face-to-face and online programs are offered.
Online Debriefing Program
CAPE also offers an intensive, immersive CME-accredited online training program in debriefing, providing valuable experience for both experienced and novice debriefers.
Training Opportunities for Stanford Affiliates
Stanford affiliates train in a variety of clinical areas including neonatal resuscitation, ECMO, critical care transport, prenatal counseling and difficult conversations with patients and families.
CAPE’s Impact
“Dr. Halamek is a leader in simulation and in the field of debriefing. The debriefing method advanced and taught by Dr. Halamek and his colleagues at Stanford focuses primarily on improving our team performance and patient care. This method has its roots in the debriefing methods used by the military and NASA for many years. It has proven to be an effective and efficient form of debriefing. This is the debriefing method that I use most frequently and I highly recommend this method to you."
- Mary Patterson, MD, MEd
"The business-like approach to simulation and debriefing that Dr. Halamek espouses is no-nonsense yet respectful, promotes both team discussion and self-reflection, and encourages healthcare professionals to be better at caring for their patients. It is a source of great pride and it brings me comfort to know that through my training at CAPE and then through repetitive practice of the techniques I learned there, I am playing a role in enhancing the care provided to literally thousands of patients."
- Bobbi J Byrne, MD
“Having attended several CAPE simulation & debriefing workshops, I have experienced debriefing as the heart and soul of simulation-based training. CAPE’s approach has helped me to create a culture of healthcare professionals who embrace a debriefing process that gives them an honest, business-like critique of their actions in direct relation to the patient's care. It just does not get any better than this.”
- Alejandro B. Gonzalez, MD, FAAP
CAPE Director
