Technology in Architectural Practice

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  • 1.  Simulation Software

    Posted 05-06-2011 09:44 PM

    Does anybody happen to know of simulation software that would allow one to track how nurses and other clinical staff would move from nurse stations to patient rooms. We are looking for something that could animate the process and illustrate the value of different design options to might improve the teams efficiency and reduce travel distance to treat patients.  I have seen some tools that demonstrate this in an egress capacity (for stadiums and airports, places things like that) but wasn't sure if those tools would do the same thing at a smaller scale like this or if anybody would know any other technologies to accomplish this.

     

    Thanks in advance for any insight.

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    Brian Skripac Assoc. AIA
    Director of BIM
    DesignGroup
    Columbus OH
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  • 2.  RE:Simulation Software

    Posted 05-10-2011 08:23 PM
    Good luck with that!! The variables are enormous. Just  a few come to mind immediately, such as, are the patients in the maternity wards, ICU, CCU, pediatrics, elder care, or any other classification? What is the patient load per workstation? How many duties do nurses perform? Is it an educational hospital? Is it inner city, or regional?

    Try narrowing your search down to a specific type of nurse in a specific unit.

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    Charles Graham AIA
    Architect
    O'Neal, Inc.
    Greenville SC
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  • 3.  RE:Simulation Software

    Posted 05-11-2011 05:55 PM
    We utilize a software program called SimCad.  It was first developed for industry but we have effectivly applied it to the type of simulations you mention.  It is a complex task to do this right as the variables and logic can get quite complicated.   The software is not for the faint of heart. It has taken years to develop the skills to utilze this as an effective tool.   The biggest challenge in any simulation  is getting good data.  This must then be analyzed and cleaned up so it can be used in the simulation. 

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    Stephen Clayman
    Lavallee/Brensinger Architects
    Manchester NH
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:Simulation Software

    Posted 05-10-2011 09:33 PM

    A program called MedModel does workflow simulation like you describe.
    www.promodel.com/products/medmodel

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    Kevin TenBrook AIA
    Partner
    PhiloWilke Partnership
    Houston TX
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  • 5.  simulation software

    Posted 05-11-2011 08:25 AM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Academy of Architecture for Health and Technology in Architectural Practice .
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    Give this a try.  It has a string model for trip analysis and other time studies.

    http://www.processmodel.com/solutions/software.html
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    Robert Schilling AIA
    Champlin Architecture
    Cincinnati OH
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  • 6.  RE:Simulation Software

    Posted 05-11-2011 11:19 AM
    Take a look at Flexsim.  I believe it does what you're looking for.

    http://www.flexsim.com/products/healthcare/

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    Michael Zabritski Assoc. AIA
    Digital Design Manager
    Boulder Associates
    Boulder CO
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