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Since its grand opening in June, 2022 the Regional Simulation Center at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has made a big splash in the world of simulation.

Karen Meadows, MSN, RN, director of the simulation center, recently had the chance to attend the International Meeting on Simulation and Healthcare Conference in Orlando, Florida. Meadows attended IMSH as a workshop presenter, discussing the development of HSC’s simulation center. To be chosen as a workshop, she had to submit a proposal for approval.

Meadow’s proposal — Prepare to Build; a playbook for simulation center design — was approved in June 2022 and she was selected as one of 240 workshops for the conference.

“So much went into the creation of our simulation center,” Meadows said. “To be chosen to present our development process from start to finish really solidified everything we put into the center.”

Not only was Meadows chosen to present as a workshop, but she was also one of eight workshops chosen to present in Plenary Hall. This venue allowed for both in-person and virtual attendees. More than 80 in-person attendees and 75 virtual attendees were present for the presentation.

She partnered with Clint Menefee from the Smith Group for the presentation to discuss how they developed the simulation center into a world-class, state-of-the-art center.

The key takeaways from the Regional Simulation Center presentation:

• Develop a vision statement to direct simulation center design
• Identify stakeholders critical to each stage of the design project
• Create a playbook to guide simulation center design

“Following these three objectives helps to keep you on track throughout the entire process,” Meadows said. “This process truly helped keep me focused and remember the stakeholders I needed to contact and stay aligned with the vision statement we created.”

Meadows’ presentation was not only a way for her to showcase the simulation center, but also to offer encouragement to those considering building their own center. Those in attendance noted how informative and enlightened her presentation was through her showcasing of what HSC is capable of.

“People were lined up to ask her questions as soon as the presentation ended,” said Jill Whitfill, instructor of nursing and coordinator of VN skills at Tarrant County College. “Karen’s presentation offered encouragement to implement simulation exercises to help educate and develop our much-needed health care providers.

“HSC is truly such an asset to the health care simulation community.

Facts about the Regional Simulation Center:

• It is a 16,000 sq. ft space
• It features 14 authentic-looking clinic exam rooms; a large, changeable procedural skills suite; a suite designed to look like the inside of a home; several multipurpose “teams” rooms; and plenty of learning lounges, where students can study.
• Has two rooms that are fully immersive virtual reality that uses cutting-edge 36-degree cameras
• Has hosted 165 educational events and 35 tours since opening

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