(Aligned with Textbook Chapter 19)

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Consult textbook Chapter 19 for additional detail and examples

STRUCTURE OF THIS MODULE

• Introduction

• Needs Assessment

• Creation of Commercial Products

• Adopting the Mindset of an Innovator

• Functionality over Fidelity

• While Modifications Can Be Helpful, Consider Operational Priorities

• Technologies to Enhance Simulation Education

  • Devices

• Check Your Understanding

• Preparation for the In-Person Lab / Workshop

INTRODUCTION

Technology and innovation play a central role in the evolution of healthcare simulation. Chapter 19 frames innovation not as novelty for its own sake, but as purposeful change introduced into complex educational and operational systems.

Key ideas introduced in this section include:

• technology as both opportunity and risk

• innovation as a response to identified needs

• the importance of aligning technology with educational goals

• the reality that innovation can increase system complexity
  
  

For Simulation Operations Specialists (SOS), innovation must always be considered in relation to system stability, reliability, and safety.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Effective innovation begins with a clear needs assessment.

This section emphasizes:

• identifying educational gaps before adopting technology

• distinguishing between “interesting” tools and “necessary” tools

• aligning innovation with learner needs, faculty goals, and institutional context

• avoiding technology-driven rather than need-driven decisions

SOS perspective:
Needs assessment is an operational skill. SOS professionals help determine whether new technology will genuinely improve learning or introduce unnecessary burden.

CREATION OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

Many simulation technologies move from concept to market through commercial development.

Key considerations discussed:

• cost and accessibility

• scalability and support

• relationship between innovation and commercialization

• potential mismatch between educational value and market appeal

SOS perspective:
Commercial availability does not guarantee operational suitability. Products must be evaluated within the realities of workflow, maintenance, and support.

ADOPTING THE MINDSET OF AN INNOVATOR

Innovation is presented as a mindset, not just the acquisition of new devices.

This section highlights:

• creativity grounded in purpose

• openness to improvement

• willingness to question existing practices

• responsibility to balance innovation with reliability

SOS perspective:
Professional innovation requires restraint. SOS professionals innovate by improving systems, not by introducing instability.

FUNCTIONALITY OVER FIDELITY

This section reinforces a core simulation principle: higher fidelity does not automatically improve learning.

Key points include:

• functional alignment with learning objectives is more important than realism

• overly complex systems can distract learners

• simpler solutions may provide greater educational value

• fidelity should serve purpose, not appearance

SOS perspective:
Choosing functionality over fidelity supports reliability, safety, and sustainable operations.

WHILE MODIFICATIONS CAN BE HELPFUL, CONSIDER OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES

Customization and modification can enhance simulation, but they also introduce risk.

This section cautions against:

• uncontrolled customization

• undocumented modifications

• increasing maintenance burden

• destabilizing established workflows

SOS perspective:
Every modification has operational consequences. SOS professionals must weigh short-term gains against long-term system stability.

TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE SIMULATION EDUCATION

This section provides examples of technologies used to enhance simulation learning, emphasizing integration rather than novelty.

DEVICES

Examples discussed include:

• imaging-related technologies

• ultrasound and procedural devices

• technology-enhanced task trainers

Key considerations:

• educational purpose

• integration into workflows

• training requirements

• ongoing support and maintenance

SOS perspective:
Devices must be evaluated not only for what they can do, but for how they affect the entire simulation system.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING (MCQ)

PREPARATION FOR THE IN-PERSON LAB / WORKSHOP

Before the lab, you should be able to:

• explain why innovation must be needs-driven

• identify operational risks associated with new technology

• articulate the SOS role in evaluating and integrating innovation

• distinguish functional value from superficial fidelity

In the lab, you will:

• analyze real simulation technologies through an operational lens

• evaluate innovation trade-offs

• practice SOS decision-making related to technology adoption