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Environmental Control
Use of Camera and Audio Systems
A camera and audio system is used two ways in simulation. One
is to provide realtime feedback to the operator of the patient simulator
during scenarios. Being able to watch and hear everything taking
place in the patient unit allows the operator to adjust the simulator
controls as needed and also to provide the patient's
voice either through hard wired or wireless microphones. The
second use is to record all activities taking place during
simulation. This information can be used as part of debriefing and
to evaluate the educational and technical aspects as well.
Glass Walls
I am often asked why not just use a glass wall or window to allow for
viewing the patient area. Too many times I have been frustrated
when someone stands in front of the window, blocking my view of the
action. Glass windows do not provide audio feedback and do little
to aid video recording of the scenario. Then there is the
cost. For the price of one glass wall or window, I was able to
purchase enough "security-style" camera systems to record
video and audio for six patient beds.
Number of Cameras
To make sure we capture all the patient area activity, we use a
minimum of three cameras. One is placed near the head of the
patient, another directly over head mounted on the ceiling, and a third
also mounted on the ceiling near the foot of the bed, but pointing
toward the head of the patient. Switching between these three
cameras seems to provide good coverage. Since the security-style
camera system has built-in microphones, you will notice a slight change
in the volume as you switch from cameras closer to the patient to a
camera farther away. Still, that has not been a big issue for
us. If you want better sound, plan on adding another layer of
technology strictly for audio.
There is such a wide variety of video and audio equipment that it
becomes overwhelming to decide what to use, even if your budget is very
robust. The best advice is to visit simulation centers to see what
has worked for them, then decide what fits into your own budget. Below
are just two examples: One low budget, lower resolution and the other a
higher resolution color system.
 Control
Room
Shown
is a typical patient simulation control set up that is removed
from the patient area. A separate room is provided for
control. The computer screen to the left displays the software driven
controls for the Laerdal Sim-Man while the monitor to the right
provides video and audio feedback and recording of activities in
the patient care area. Each patient would have a
complete set up as shown, three cameras, monitor, recording
unit, and computer or other control device. |
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 B/W
Recording System
Close
up of the KeepSafer black and white security style camera
system. There is input for up to four cameras. Views for
each camera can be selected by simply pushing a button.
Microphones in each camera provide audio (sound) feedback. A VHS
tape deck is used to record audio-visual. This is a low
cost system, but still expect to pay close to a $1,000.
Someone will also need to run the wires for each camera.
KeepSafer
Security camera systems shown (Keepsafer may no longer sell this model)
The photo below shows an example of one type of security style camera with built-in
microphone. Power to the camera is provided through the
wire shown. The other end is connected to the KeepSafer or
other monitor unit. Color versions are also available for more money.
See below for "better" system.
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 Color
Recording | Control System
If
you are looking for higher resolution and color cameras there is
another type of "security system" available. Shown is
a four camera channel unit with both digital and VHS recording
in the control room for Trauma 1. The audio is supplied by two microphones
mounted in the ceiling of the patient care area. There are
three cameras also mounted in the ceiling. A fourth channel,
with a scan converter, can display the control software from the patient simulator computer (blue,
blank screen here.) One or all camera views can be
selected for display. Using a separate audio system has
greatly enhanced the quality of recorded sound. Two
ceiling mounted microphones in a room of less than 300 square
feet is more than adequate. 
The tiny black dot to the right of the
dome camera is
a ceiling mounted microphone.
Speco Technologies
High resolution camera shown.
This system was installed by: LJMacken@hotmail.com
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 Remote
Viewing
Some
centers like to show what is happening in simulation in a nearby
classroom. The intelix CAT5 cable converter allows you to
input your video and audio signal from your camera system into
one side of the converter...hook up CAT5 cable into the other
end...run the cable in the ceiling to the classroom and then
into a second converter, and finally into your projector system
in the classroom. What? No, really, this is very
simple and the quality is outstanding. Much easier and
less costly to buy the two converter boxes and run the CAT5 than
to use "regular" AV cables. Thanks to Martin Benson
for finding a high quality, low cost method for showing patient
simulation to a large gathering.
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