Summary

Operating a successful healthcare simulation center requires a careful balance of multiple components working in synergy. In this video Marc Lazarovici and Christian Boeriu talk about the key aspects to consider when managing and running an effective simulation program:

• Human Resources
• Materails, Equipment and Infrastructure
• Marketing and External Relations
• Course Offering and Logistics
• Research and Academic Integration

Human Resources

A skilled and cohesive team is vital, including instructors, facilitators, technicians, and support staff. Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring technology runs smoothly, and fostering collaboration between them and instructors through clear roles and open communication is important.

Continuous faculty training and development is emphasized. Implementing internal training cycles, peer-to-peer education models (vertical with senior students teaching juniors, or horizontal with same-level students teaching different topics), and interprofessional education can supplement faculty while promoting teamwork.

Materials, Equipment and Infrastructure

Proper planning for storage, maintenance, redundancy, and technology refresh cycles is needed to manage physical resources like manikins, task trainers, and equipment. Securing diverse funding sources like course fees, grants, sponsorships and partnerships is recommended for sustainable growth.

The center’s layout, audio-visuals and amenities should align with intended simulation modalities and learner cohort sizes. Anticipating future needs is advised.

Marketing and External Relations

A clear marketing strategy tailored to the target audience is crucial, leveraging channels like social media, websites and press. Consistent branding and public messaging projects a cohesive image.

Pricing models depend on factors like exclusivity, cost recovery needs and market positioning. Maintaining positive ties with parent institutions through representation, collaborations and shared resources is valuable.

Course Offerings and Logistics

A well-planned course calendar with transparent registration and pricing information is important. For large cohorts, meticulous resource utilization planning using strategies like pre-briefing, familiarization sessions and parallel scheduling is recommended.

Research and Academic Integration

Engaging in research can yield academic outputs and supplementary funding but requires balancing teaching priorities. Collaborations with academic/industry partners can create synergies.

In essence, managing a healthcare simulation center is a multifaceted endeavor that requires strategic planning, resource optimization, team building, and a commitment to ongoing improvement.