IT Issues and Support Structures Simulation Education and Complex Technology Based Practice

Presentation Outline Background Initial Challenges Faced Solutions Implemented Purpose of simulation The role of technology Practical Design Considerations The role of IT support Finding the right support

Background Typical computer geek Not-so typical interpersonal skills 20 years in technical education Accepted the technical director position in 2010 at California Baptist University School of Nursing

Initial Challenges Faced Initial design of simulation space continue to have some challenging consequences in implementing simulations Simulation museum –System Complexity –Lack of training –Apprehension of faculty Lack of IT support –Understaffed –Lack of understanding of needs –Ineffective support system

Solutions Implemented To remove pressure of IT and to ensure adequate support all technical calls came through my office first. –Provided 1 st, 2 nd, and many time 3 rd level technical support –Conducted one on one personal training when called –Remote desktop training and issue resolution –Made a TA in all course –Conducted In-services

Solutions Implemented cont. To increase use of simulation –Conducted personal interviews with nurse faculty (content experts) –Purpose was to ascertain needs and explain how the technology could be used to fulfill those needs. –In-services to show off what could be done with technology –Made them comfortable working with me as the technical expert and them the content experts

Solutions Implemented cont. Initial design challenges –Proprietary software and hardware solutions –PTZ cameras Poor locations and too many covering same locations –AVS is implemented by multiple vendors without any unifying technical specifications –Lack of space –Lack of power outlets –Requires technical expertise to meet desired results

Solutions Implemented cont. To mitigate initial design challenges –Manage expectations –Involved in all simulations –Constant training support staff (student workers, and lab assistant) –“Sneakernet” –Establish close relationship with IT department to make them understand the needs of the simulation center –Staff Wireless –Full administrative control

Purpose of Simulation Facilitate feedback Repetitive Practice Capture variety of clinical conditions Controlled environment without adverse consequences for error Application of task difficulty levels Implementation of multiple learning strategies Reproducible and standardized educational experiences Facilitate team work and interdisciplinary approaches

The role of technology Technology should support and facilitate all the previously mentioned goals Improve processes Improve and enhance what is already done without it. Make our lives easier not more difficult

The role of technology Technology should not be so complex as to make it impossible to use It should never be a replacement for good pedagogy

The role of technology Technology should not be so complex as to make it impossible to use It should never be a replacement for good pedagogy

Practical Design Considerations Have a solid understanding of what the desired results are –“I want to capture what is on the monitor and three cameras for debriefing five minutes after simulation is ended” –Called the information gathering and identification What are the priorities, what do the educators envision in the end, how will it work within their teaching strategies

Practical Design Considerations What is being taught and how do they do it without the technology? What is being captured and how do they capture it without technology?

Practical Design Considerations Network connections (Location and number) Staff Wireless –Laerdal, Gaumard, Meti single station control Power Outlets, Charging stations Wall Speakers (VOG, Patient voice) Headphone jacks for observations Cameras (Location, location, location)

The Role of IT Support Typical Structure (Centralized) Dir. Of IT Application Development, Platform Support, User Support, Network Infrastructure, Security, Help Desk

The Role of IT Support Resolving User Problems –Problem Tracking Software –Level 1: Problem Resolved at help desk (Very basic technical skills) –Level 2: Problems resolved by higher skilled technician –Level 3: problem resolved by most skilled technicians, manufacture, vendor

The Role of IT Support Advantages –Centralized control –Able to cover a wide variety of common issues –Issues recorded and solutions database maintained Disadvantages –Little understanding of unique processes –Typically do not have expertise and understanding of how simulation equipment operates

The Role of IT Support (Alternative) Skilled IT support housed in department Direct communication with faculty Intimate interaction and understanding of simulation equipment Direct support of simulation events

Finding the right IT Support For the typical centralized IT support model –Understand what your needs are and work with them until IT fully understands them as well. –Invite IT support to simulations so they have a direct understanding of what it required to operate successfully.

Finding the right IT Support For the in-house solution look for the following –Technical skills and expertise in computer systems, network infrastructure, and audio video support and design –Interpersonal skills –Should be able to teach and train complicated technical issues in an easy to understand way

Finding the right IT Support Hire your IT person as your would an educator Have them conduct a mock class on IP addressing, creating an AD Hoc network, or ever what a router is. Have them write a step-by-step instructions on how to adjust your desktop screen resolution