A Novel Simulation Technician Laboratory Design: Results of a Survey-Based Study.
OBJECTIVE : The purpose of this study was to elicit feedback from simulation technicians prior to developing the first simulation technician-specific simulation laboratory in Akron, OH.


BACKGROUND
Simulation technicians serve a vital role in simulation centers within hospitals/health centers around the world. The first simulation technician degree program in the US has been approved in Akron, OH. To satisfy the requirements of this program and to meet the needs of this special audience of learners, a customized simulation lab is essential.


METHODS
A web-based survey was circulated to simulation technicians prior to completion of the lab for the new program. The survey consisted of questions aimed at identifying structural and functional design elements of a novel simulation center for the training of simulation technicians. Quantitative methods were utilized to analyze data.


RESULTS
Over 90% of technicians (n=65) think that a lab designed explicitly for the training of technicians is novel and beneficial. Approximately 75% of respondents think that the space provided appropriate audiovisual (AV) infrastructure and space to evaluate the ability of technicians to be independent. The respondents think that the lab needed more storage space, visualization space for a large number of students, and more space in the technical/repair area. CONCLUSIONS : A space designed for the training of simulation technicians was considered to be beneficial. This laboratory requires distinct space for technical repair, adequate bench space for the maintenance and repair of simulators, an appropriate AV infrastructure, and space to evaluate the ability of technicians to be independent.
Emergency Medicine, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Rami
R
Ahmed
Emergency Medicine, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Patrick G
PG
Hughes
Construction & Property Management, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Ed
E
Friedl
Emergency Medicine, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Fabiana
F
Ortiz Figueroa
Emergency Medicine, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Jose R
JR
Cepeda Brito
Emergency Medicine, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Jennifer
J
Frey
Performance Solutions Department, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Lauren E
LE
Birmingham
Medical Education, Summa Akron City Hospital, Summa Health System.
Steven Scott
SS
Atkinson
simulation laboratory design; simulation specialist training; simulation technician