A Sense of Realism
Naturally, a certain level of realism will be required. After all, the aim of a simulation lab is to prepare learners and clinicians for real-world scenarios. Realism allows the trainee to fully engage with the scenario at hand in a meaningful way. It is common for the equipment in the simulation space to mimic that found in the clinical setting. Items such as beds, pumps, headwalls, monitors, crash carts, and similar equipment matching found in the healthcare environment allow learners to practice the same tools they will encounter in a real-life scenario. Creating a realistic environment can extend further than the simulation rooms, though. Often it is desirable to create an entire simulation suite that mimics a patient unit. In these simulation labs, the corridors are sized similarly to those found in hospitals, complete with alcoves, nurses’ stations, and support cores. Whether an exact replica is available or not, crafting a strong sense of realism is critical to designing a highly effective simulation lab.
Who's Using These Spaces?
Depending on the desired level of realism and the type of training envisioned the way people move around your simulation lab can become a critical planning component for success. There are some primary roles that will most often utilize the simulation lab daily:
- Instructors: Responsible for observing, providing direction, and documenting performance.
- Active Learners: Students participating in the simulation.
- Passive Learners: Students observing the simulation.
- Operators: Operators augment the physical space to facilitate the simulation.
- Simulated Patients: Actors simulating patients.
- Service Personnel: Individuals responsible for setting up rooms.