More Expert Advice to Solve Your Top Simulation Challenges
No two healthcare simulation labs are exactly the same, but many sim techs face similar challenges. In the recent webinar, “15 Challenges in Healthcare Simulation and How to Conquer Them,” the simulation experts at Level 3 Audiovisual discussed the most common challenges and offered solutions to address them. You can catch up on the first five challenges here. For a recap of the next set of challenges presented in the webinar, keep reading.
5 MORE SIM TECH CHALLENGES—AND 5 MORE SOLUTIONS TO FIX THEM
These are five of the most common challenges facing simulation technicians, according to Scott Atkinson, Simulation Technology and Operations Specialist at Level 3 AV.
- Video storage policies. Recording simulations creates a lot of large video files, and simulation labs need a policy governing how long those files need to be stored. Scott said the best solution is a policy that allows recordings to be wiped from the system as soon as they are released to the educator.
- Demand for remote access. Many faculty members who perform simulations want to access the lab AV system remotely to review recordings. Flash drives, CDs, email, and cloud storage can all facilitate remote file access, but these methods can also come with security concerns. To address that issue, Scott recommended posting recordings of simulation scenarios to a private, password protected YouTube channel that can only be accessed by designated individuals.
- Information sharing between sim techs. As you face and resolve challenges within your sim labs, you develop a cache of best practices and solutions, Scott said. But there isn’t a good way to share that insight with a large group of other sim techs who might benefit from it. Solutions include attending trainings such as the Level 3 Audiovisual Sim Tech Boot Camp and other industry events where sim techs can collaborate, share ideas and solve problems together.
- Lack of standard education resources. As the healthcare simulation industry grows, many institutions and organizations are offering new degrees and certifications touted to help sim techs do their jobs better. But how can sim techs determine which one is best for them? Scott recommends that each simulation technician develop a personalized professional matrix that leverages what they already know and identifies skill gaps to be filled. For example, a nurse with a bachelor’s degree doesn’t need another degree in simulation—a simulation certification would be sufficient. The profile and objectives of each specific simulation lab will also play a role in determining the best training and education for each sim tech, Scott said.
- Objective-based material and equipment. Instead of being distracted by “shiny new things,” you should focus on the tools and equipment that best meet the objectives of your program, Scott said. For example, while a surgical program could benefit from a wireless manikin, standardized patients would be better for a program focused on practicing non-invasive procedures. Sim techs can help simulation lab faculty clearly define program objectives and then steer them to the right tech for their scenarios.
Did you miss the first recap of the webinar? You can read it here. You can also watch the full webinar on demand any time. And if you want to discuss solutions for the challenges you are facing, our experts are always available to answer questions or give recommendations!
