Developing design strategy for an optimal simulation center-based programme : the AUBMC Experience.

Abstract

Background: Simulation in healthcare has been developing a decade ago, it is an educational and training tool to improve both individual and teamwork skills. Medical simulation is applied in different settings; in-situ simulation in the actual real environment (clinics or emergency room) and off-site in simulation center-based hospital or university. Adopting simulation for learning and education needs a well design plan for the facility, other than the curricula and program plan. Designing and implementing a simulation facility is a complex and endeavor process, yet limited studies explore the design process of simulation facilities and provide official guidelines to achieve an optimal-ideal facility. Stakeholders at the AUBMC faced different constraints in planning and designing the new facility because there were no official guidelines to structure the layout, flow, and functions in the center, as well resources and personnel. Objectives: This research aimed to (1) explore the design process for a simulation center-based hospital at the AUBMC, (2) identify the challenges of designing a simulation center in various institutions, and (3) identify a decision-making approach to plan for an optimal simulation center design. Methods: This study was an exploratory case- study with multidimensional methods, qualitative and quantitative. On the bases of conducting semi-structured interviews with; personnel involved in the design process of the new AUBMC simulation center; and experts in the medical simulation field within the same institution and from other institutions in Lebanon. Besides, direct observations and documentation during the evolving of the process provided insights and understandings about the simulation operations and the design process. Results: A total of 8 healthcare professions and experts in the simulation field, whose consent were secured, were included in the analysis. Participants involved in the design were from different industry sectors Biomedical Engineer, Architect, Computer Engineer, an