When Rush built the original lab in 2003, it became a leader in simulation training. Over the years, however, the need for the facility had greatly outgrown the space. After factoring the need for storage, Vice President of University Affairs Lois Halstead figured only about 100 square feet could actually be used for training. The tight squeeze, in addition to the time and personnel needed to move equipment around, strained education efforts to the point that many requests for simulation time had to be denied.

A feasibility study determined that moving the lab from the Armour Academic Center to the Kellogg building on the north side of campus would provide the necessary space and functionality. Construction was done in two phases, with Phase I completed by the time classes started in September 2014.

Phase I consisted of a 7,400-square-foot space that includes four debriefing conference rooms and simulation labs with adjacent control rooms for the emergency department, pediatrics, operating room and general patient care. Phase II, totaling about 7,600 square feet, includes 10 patient rooms, three more debriefing conference rooms and additional labs and training rooms.

Now that both phases are completed, the state-of-the-art facility offers seven new training environments that simulate real-world patient care settings where students and caregivers can train together. Training sessions are digitally recorded and projected to an adjoining classroom for others to view. After these sessions participants can review and analyze their performances through a structured debriefing process.

In addition to patient simulators that display lifelike responses to treatment and external stimuli, the new center incorporates a wet laboratory, where trainees can practice skills like central line insertions or surgical stitches using cadaveric body parts. Another program allows students and staff to work with live actors posing as patients and family members, strengthening diagnostic and communication skills.

Funding for the new lab came from several sources, including donations, the state of Illinois and the university’s capital improvement funds.

The post Rush University Medical Center Completes Simulation Lab appeared first on School Construction News.