Choosing the right audiovisual (AV) solution for a simulation center is crucial for optimizing operations and achieving educational goals. Simulation centers, which generate immersive scenarios that mimic real-life situations, can be a great way to provide realistic training environments. This allows participants to practice skills in a safe and controlled setting. To identify the specific AV requirements that will support a center’s objectives effectively, it’s important to first conduct a needs analysis.
Conducting a Needs Analysis
Assess the simulation center’s status: Determine if the center is a new or existing facility. For existing spaces, evaluate any planned renovations or retrofitting needs. Review the current AV equipment, considering age, utilization, and user feedback.
Review the allocated space: Examine the total space designated for the simulation center, including square footage and floor plans.
Conduct a systematic room review: Identify the primary functions for each room type, such as exam rooms for objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), emergency rooms, skills labs, and nursing stations.
Determine simulation modalities: Specify the simulation modalities to be used in each space, including simulated patients, patient simulators, task trainers, and advanced AR/VR/XR technologies.
Evaluate viewing access: Assess whether spaces provide direct viewing access, or if all viewing will need to occur remotely.
While physical AV equipment is vital, integrating it with a robust software solution can streamline many operational functions, including AV control. LearningSpace, which is built on a solid audiovisual backbone, enables real-time observation, recording, and time-stamped annotations with immediate playback capabilities.
The LearningSpace Experience platform provides essential features for video-enhanced debriefing. Meanwhile, LearningSpace Essentials elevates AV capabilities with simulation center management tools, including modules for student assessment, scheduling, and scenario authoring. The Student Assessment module features pre-encounter and post-encounter checklists, as well as a performance checklist, allowing faculty to input data during real-time observation or video review. It also centralizes learner feedback with best practice tools such as the Simulation Effectiveness tool.
LearningSpace’s most comprehensive platform, Enterprise, is designed to streamline simulation center management. It offers advanced scheduling, including OSCE management, and robust inventory tracking to ensure resources are readily available. It also features a powerful reporting system with customizable options to generate insights into usage patterns and performance metrics, helping administrators optimize their operations effectively.
Selecting the right AV solution for your simulation center requires careful analysis to ensure it meets specific needs. LearningSpace could complement your physical AV equipment and provide centralized control, enhancing efficiency across the board.
Learn more about LearningSpace and elevate healthcare to transform your simulation center today.
Author: Melissa Lowther Doyle, CHSOS-A, FSSH, Solution Sales Consultant, Elevate Healthcare