Student's Guide to PCS Spark in the Browser

Go to app.pcs.ai to sign up and click on "Sign Up".

Enter your name, email, and password in the fields, and remember to tick the Captcha checkbox at the bottom.

Please click "Accept" for "Terms and Conditions" and "Privacy Policy" to be able to use PCS Spark.

Enter your email address and click on "Next":

Then, you will be prompted to create a new one if you haven't created an account previously with this email address, simply click on "Yes":

At the same time, a verification email is sent to your email address.

Check your inbox for the "PCS: signup" message and click the link to continue your registration:

Enter your name and password:

Finally, please accept the "Terms and Conditions" after reading it:

You will receive an access link to your virtual simulator from your institution. which may look something like this:

https:// app.pcs.ai/start.html?key=pHxzRKAu

Simply click on it, sign up if you do not have a PCS account yet, and start a simulation.

If you’re not there already, go to app.pcs.ai and log in. Once logged in, you will see this screen under the "Assignments" tab: click on the blue "Start" button to start your assigned simulation:

Note: If this is your first time using PCS, you will be offered to start an Orientation simulation, which allows you to familiarize yourself with the platform.

IMPORTANT, remember to allow your microphone in the browser:

When your simulation loads, the Patient File and Welcome Tips will open. They contain generic and case-specific information, so read them carefully:

If this is your first time running a simulation, we strongly recommend looking at the Hints and Tips section. The Hints and Tips include a complete simulation guide as well as additional resources you can use during your encounter:

You can move around in the room during your simulation in Spark. Once the simulation loads use the left and right arrows on your keyboard to turn right and left. You can also drag the mouse around the screen to look around.

Move forward or backward using the up and down arrows or simply scroll on your mouse.

Double click (or double tap on a tablet) on a position in the room to move to the targeted position faster.

Click on the microphone icon to initiate a conversation with the patient. (The mic icon will become active, turn green and you'll hear the beep-beep sound indicating the patient is listening and ready for your questions.)

You can also check the transcription of your questions and the patient's responses by opening the simulation logs through the Sim Log button:

A few helpful tips for a smooth conversation:

Click the microphone icon to stop the conversation at any time you need to think over what to ask next, review your notes, etc. Click the microphone again to re-activate the conversation and continue when you are ready.

You can start a physical examination by clicking on the "Physical Exam" or "Physical Inspections" button at the bottom left corner:

The Vital Signs will also provide you with additional details about the patient's vitals.

Learn more about the physical examination here.

Order diagnostics, analyze them, set the diagnosis, and decide about the next steps for the patient from the “Diagnose and Treat” tab or click on the folder object in the virtual environment:

Search for specific items or scroll down for more options.

Order Diagnostics: Order the diagnostics you need to learn more about the patient.

Set Diagnosis: Decide on the final diagnosis.

Administer Treatments: Order the treatments the patient needs to receive right away.

Next Steps: The necessary steps for the patient to do after this visit.

Just like when interviewing a real-life SP, your goal is to get critical and valuable information from the patient. That will be the basis of your assessment.

When you are done interviewing, just click the "End Simulation" button:

Note: your session times out after 90 minutes of inactivity. You’re reminded on screen and can ask for additional time.

Any further questions? Reach out to your facilitator or feel free to contact the PCS Support Team at help@pcs.ai.