October 5, 2015By Lance Baily

First Ever Research Specific to Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialists Published This Month in SSH Journal

sim tech research

Just received word from Sim Tech Rachel Bailey that the first ever research article about Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialists (Simulation Technicians) has been published in the latest edition of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. “Defining the Simulation Technician Role: Results of a Survey-Based Study” was written by Rachel Bailey. Regina Taylor MA, CCRP, CPM, Michael FitzGerald PhD, Benjamin Kerrey MD, MS,Thomas LeMaster MSN, MEd and Gary Geis MD. You will need to be an SSH member to read the full article online, but the highlights are shared below:

Abstract

Introduction: In health care simulation, simulation technicians perform multiple tasks to support various educational offerings. Technician responsibilities and the tasks that accompany them seem to vary between centers. The objectives were to identify the range and frequency of tasks that technicians perform and to determine if there is a correspondence between what technicians do and what they feel their responsibilities should be. We hypothesized that there is a core set of responsibilities and tasks for the technician position regardless of background, experience, and type of simulation center.


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Methods: We conducted a prospective, survey-based study of individuals currently functioning in a simulation technician role in a simulation center. This survey was designed internally and piloted within 3 academic simulation centers. Potential respondents were identified through a national mailing list, and the survey was distributed electronically during a 3-week period.



Results: A survey request was sent to 280 potential participants, 136 (49%) responded, and 73 met inclusion criteria. Five core tasks were identified as follows: equipment setup and breakdown, programming scenarios into software, operation of software during simulation, audiovisual support for courses, and on-site simulator maintenance. Independent of background before they were hired, technicians felt unprepared for their role once taking the position. Formal training was identified as a need; however, the majority of technicians felt experience over time was the main contributor toward developing knowledge and skills within their role.

Conclusions: This study represents a first step in defining the technician role within simulation-based education and supports the need for the development of a formal job description to allow recruitment, development, and certification.

Congrats to Rachel and the team this is fantastic work!


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Read the Full Sim Tech Research Article on the Journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Website


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