Boston, MA and Guimarães, Portugal – Imagine a healthcare system where clinicians and staff feel continuously supported, prepared, and resilient in the face of challenges.
This vision is becoming a reality thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between the Center for Medical Simulation’s Applied Learning for Performance and Safety (CMS-ALPS) division and ULS Alto Ave (ULSAAVE), a leading regional healthcare system in Portugal.
Over an initial three-year period, CMS-ALPS and ULS Alto Ave are working together to develop and integrate three innovative applied learning ecosystems into the daily work of the health system. Chris Roussin, PhD, Founder and Senior Director of CMS-ALPS and faculty member at Harvard Medical School, recently visited ULSAAVE to work with leadership and clinicians across the system.
“We’re thrilled to partner with ULS Alto Ave, whose leadership and board is committed to creating a supportive and safe culture for their healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Roussin. “The progress here on the first projects is incredible and there is a sense of unity and commitment that I deeply admire.”
The partnership’s first success story is already unfolding. Circulo Em Equipa (The Team Circle), one of the three applied learning ecosystems, has been successfully launched in a wide range of clinical units and services, both within the primary hospital in Guimarães and across the region in primary care clinics. This daily team routine promotes teamwork, learning, and mutual support among clinicians and staff.
Implementation of two additional ecosystems will follow:
- Learning through Challenge: Regular routines to support teams in learning from workplace events and challenges.
- Bedside Performance Readiness: Planning, organizing, and training routines to support healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality patient care.
By fostering a culture of resilience, compassion, and continuous learning, CMS-ALPS and ULS Alto Ave aim to create a healthier, more supportive healthcare environment – one that benefits both clinicians and patients.
About CMS-ALPS and ULS Alto Ave
CMS-ALPS is a division of the Center for Medical Simulation, dedicated to improving healthcare workforce resilience through innovative learning solutions. ULS Alto Ave is a leading regional healthcare system centered in Guimarães, Portugal, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the local community.
Contact:
Senior Director, CMS-ALPS
