Synchronous Mobile Audio-Visual Recording Technology (SMART) Cart for Healthcare Simulation Debriefing

Introduction. Video-assisted debriefing is commonly used in healthcare simulation. The ability to conduct video-assisted debriefing during in situ simulation is limited by the capacity to quickly and easily record and playback video in the clinical environment. Methods. We developed the Synchronous Mobile Audio-visual Recording Technology Cart (SMART-Cart) to improve the ability to conduct video-assisted debriefing during in situ simulation. The SMART-Cart is composed of a compact metal cart, integrated dual wide-angled pan-tilt-zoom cameras, microphones, high-performance audio-video computer with two rear facing video monitors, and a large front-facing video screen positioned for easy video playback and review. Results. During pilot-testing involving 75 simulations with the capture of over 10 GB of audiovisual data, the SMART-Cart functioned extremely well with no technical issues. Setup and take down speeds were significantly faster using the SMART-Cart as compared to traditional in situ video debriefing methods. Use of the SMART-Cart was also resulted in a 50% reduction in the overall foot-print of the simulation recording equipment. Discussion. Based on our experience, the SMART-Cart provides a fast and reliable option to facilitate video-assisted debriefing during in situ simulation. Further investigation into the process of video-assisted debriefing using the SMART-Cart are warranted.