Environmental Control

The "Control In room vs. Out of room" debate

Most patient simulators provide a way to control the patient while the operator is in the same room as the patient and students. Academy member experiences show that students are pretty clever. They can see the operator make a move with the control or the tablet computer or hear the mouse clicks and know something is about to change. This detracts from students having to detect, on their own, changes to the patient. When faculty / operators are in the same room as the patient, students look toward the faculty for answers, hints, help and feedback. Feedback and prompting are certainly justified in some situations, but eventually the student has to "take charge" and perform all competencies without ANY assistance.

SIMS Medical Center sample control set up Acute Care It is suggested that all patients be controlled from another room or on the other side of a wall in the same room. A separate room is more desirable since that arrangement reduces noise issues and allows for more than one person to participate in operating the patient.

This image shows a typical, inexpensive remote control unit located in a room next to a patient unit. There is a solid block wall between the operator and the students. Multiple, fixed video cameras allow the operator to see, hear and record all student activity. If you feel the need, you can install color remote controlled cameras and sensitive sound system with special effects generators and mixers. An all digital system is great, but not necessary. Security style color cameras and DVD recorders are very inexpensive and do a good job. If you run your own wires, be sure that you adhere to all fire regulations for you institution, city, county and state.