Approximation of net area requirements of simulation facilities for healthcare education in Turkiye

Although, simulation in healthcare practice dates back to ancient times, emerging of practical education with simulation has gained its popularity in modern era. In modern approach, education in healthcare is a hybrid model where theoretical and practical trainings are executed together. By the increasing popularity of simulation in healthcare globally, simulation centers and labs around the world became the key facilities for practical sessions to be held. However, no design template or design algorithm is published as a regulation to standardize healthcare education worldwide or locally. Therefore, designing simulation facilities are still challenging for institutions. Despite the fact that the governmental bodies in Turkiye have issued regulations mandating minimum area requirements for the commencement of simulations, the practice of simulation remains a challenging endeavor for institutions within the country. This study aims to establish a CAD (Computer Aided Design) model based on the governmental regulations of Turkiye, possible student capacities and search for quantitative upscaling methods of area needs for the model that can be adapted to any student capacity by using step function methods. Before calculations, CAD drawings are realized and area dimensions are recorded for the data processing. Afterwards, heterogeneity of increments are homogenized to output a floor function. After outputting functions, area needs for such design versus student capacities more than 240 are extrapolated. According to the findings, using step function approach for upscaling such model is possible and useful for needs recognition, yet it is not definitive for every occasion due to other concerns of simulation center design such as budgeting, establishment of laboratories in already constructed buildings which pose restrictions on space at design and need of more definitive regulations.