GlossaryGuide

Etym. (adj.) “pertaining to the sense of touch,” 1890, from Greek haptikos “able to come into contact with,” from haptein “to fasten.”

Definition

• In health care simulation, refers to devices that providing tactile feedback to the user. Haptics can be used to simulate touching, palpating an organ, or body part, and the cutting, tearing, or traction on a tissue.

• Devices that capture and record a trainee’s ‘touch’ in terms of location and depth of pressure at specific anatomical sites (McGaghie et al, 2010; Jackson et al).