Health Care Simulation Spaces for Higher Ed Are a Coordinated Effort

February 4, 2025

Simulation spaces have become indispensable in the rapidly evolving field of health care education. These environments provide students and professionals with hands-on training that is crucial for developing the skills needed in real-world scenarios. Messer Construction Co. has been at the forefront of creating these advanced simulation spaces, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed. Recent collaborations with various educational institutions highlight the complexities and successes of these projects. 

Early coordination among all stakeholders is always in the best interest of the project and the building’s end users. What is planned for at the beginning of a project may become outdated by the time of installation. Early conversations and contracts can prevent budget increases and ensure that all parties are aligned. Additionally, while most of the equipment used in simulation spaces is plug-and-play, having commissioning conversations early can prevent issues down the line. 

Understanding that not all projects come together in perfect order, adaptability in a construction partner is key. On a recent project, we faced the unique challenge of being brought in three months before completion, after the medical equipment supplier was already contracted during the preconstruction phase. This resulted in a headwall unit being installed with a manikin for patient simulation, complete with video cameras and network connections. Although the initial design did not include a pillow speaker in the headwall, we efficiently installed raceways for the supplier's equipment to accommodate this capability. 

This experience reinforced the value of involving all stakeholders from the beginning of a project to ensure smooth execution and avoid last-minute adjustments. It also demonstrated our team's ability to overcome challenges and deliver quality results under tight timelines. 

Innovation is at the forefront of the Miami University Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness Building which uses patients, including students and actors, to create highly realistic training scenarios.  

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Miami University Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness Building

While coordinating with out-of-town contractors and ensuring smooth communication between the design team and other contractors presented challenges, our meticulous planning and coordination with the Arizona-based AV contractor, who served as the third-party installer and commissioner, ensured successful project completion. 

On another project, the electrician had a separate subcontractor for telephone installations, while the owner had another subcontractor for the same work. Regular meetings and shared quotes, along with weekly debriefs, helped maintain alignment and progress. 

Creating effective simulation spaces requires a blend of early coordination, clear communication, and meticulous planning. At Messer, we pride ourselves on our ability to navigate these complexities and deliver high-quality, functional training environments. By learning from each project and continuously improving our processes, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcomes for their simulation spaces. 

For more information on how Messer can help you create state-of-the-art simulation spaces, please contact us today.

Nick Proffitt
Carl Dennin

Nick Proffitt, Higher Education Market Segment Leader

Carl Dennin, Health Care Market Segment Leader