Building a new simulation center necessitates meticulous planning, strategic investment, and an unwavering focus on achieving your institution’s educational objectives. But sometimes, even the best laid plans can have some bumps in the road. This blog post highlights five critical mistakes that institutions should sidestep to optimize their investment, enhance training efficiency, and secure a significant return on investment in their simulation program.
1. Not Having Drop Ceilings
Opting for drop ceilings in your new simulation center is an essential factor in the design process. Drop ceilings grant convenient access for the necessary maintenance of critical elements such as the av equipment, gas lines, and lighting fixtures. By prioritizing this design feature and providing easy access to vital components of your center, you facilitate easier operation and extend the service life of your valuable equipment.
2. Leaving No Room for Storage
Operating a simulation lab necessitates a host of equipment. Monitors, manikins, computers, carts, beds, and a myriad of general supplies are just a few examples of the hundreds of items most simulation centers need to operate successfully. Inadequate storage space often leads to equipment loss or damage, wasting valuable time and resources. Incorporating storage space into your sim center design helps create an efficient, organized environment conducive to effective simulations.
3. Ignoring the Impacts of HVAC Systems
Audio capture in simulation sessions is of immense importance – enabling accurate recording and analysis of interactions. However, this benefit can be significantly decreased by noise interference. HVAC systems, if not adequately surveyed and designed, can be significant sources of such noise. An HVAC survey includes detailed analysis of where and how HVAC equipment, ductwork, and outlets will be placed, the potential noise levels they may generate, and how this sound could propagate within the simulation and control rooms. This early detection and quantification of possible noise issues is critical to maintaining high-quality audio capture in your simulation center.
4. Using Standard Doors
One often overlooked element of sim center design is door width. The ability to easily and safely move teaching resources and simulation equipment is something that can go unnoticed during the design process. In addition to meeting accessibility requirements, the need to move hospital beds, gurneys, and carts through your sim center is critical to producing realism. As such, door widths must be tailored to accommodate all of these conditions, preventing equipment damage, promoting operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance.
5. Selecting the Wrong AV Capture Technology
The thoughtful selection and strategic placement of audio and video capture hardware is essential for the success of any new simulation center. Choosing cameras with comprehensive pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities and the ability to capture high-definition video is vital. Such versatility in camera functionality ensures that every detail of the simulation is meticulously recorded, from wide-angle scenes to close-up interactions, without compromising video clarity. Equally important is the implementation of microphones designed to capture high-fidelity audio. The ability to accurately replicate the nuances of communication during simulations plays a crucial role in the debriefing process, allowing for in-depth analysis and feedback.
EMS is committed to assisting institutions in the healthcare, higher education, and government sectors in making informed decisions regarding their simulation solutions. By prioritizing advanced av capture technology, EMS empowers customers to create simulation experiences that are not only immersive and comprehensive but also cost-effective and conducive to achieving exceptional training efficiency. Talk to a solutions expert today to discuss how EMS can elevate your healthcare education.