Authors and affiliation:
Adrián Barba Beltrán (1), David Oliver García (1), Julia San Martín Suárez (1), Juan Sebastián Suárez Peña (2)
(1) Biomedical Engineering Degree, University of Alicante; (2) Clinical Simulation Laboratory, ISABIAL–HGU Dr. Balmis Alicante
Rationale:
The effectiveness of clinical simulations largely depends on how faithfully these scenarios replicate the hospital environment. Within the context of simulation, the telephone communication system plays a vital role in ensuring a realistic experience. However, the widespread use of alternative methods such as walkie‑talkies—which differ significantly from the standard equipment used in hospitals—can compromise the integrity of immersive learning. This mismatch between the simulation tool and real‑world practice reduces authenticity and may hinder the effective learning of critical protocols. Clinical simulation specialists continuously strive to replicate real hospital conditions as accurately as possible, including familiarization with telephone systems that rely on specific numbers and codes that staff must handle proficiently. Therefore, this project emerges as a solution to this discrepancy, offering a system that not only improves communication during simulations but also provides a valuable training platform. This approach aims not only to enhance the competence and confidence of healthcare personnel in using the hospital telephone system, but also to reduce the likelihood of operational errors, which is essential for patient care in real situations.
Development context:
The implementation of a digital telephone switchboard based on Asterisk software was designed to address and overcome the limitations encountered in clinical simulations across various specialties. Significant issues were identified in the use of walkie‑talkies, such as their lack of realism, the absence of practice with the hospital’s internal telephone numbers, and the difficulties healthcare personnel faced when using them in high‑pressure contexts.
General and specific objectives of the document:
General:
To optimize the communication infrastructure in clinical simulations in order to provide healthcare personnel with a practical and realistic experience that aligns with the environment they will later encounter in the hospital setting.
Specific:
- To use a Raspberry Pi 4 to connect two VoIP telephones, enabling them to make calls to predefined numbers.
- To develop a system characterized by ease of use and self‑sufficiency, including advanced management of potential connection errors and shutdown procedures.
- To implement a Python‑based console to facilitate the administration of the Asterisk software, thereby improving interaction with the system.
Description:
The digital telephone switchboard implemented with Asterisk is structured around a series of critical components: a control system consisting of a Raspberry Pi 4, a configurable router, a VoIP telephone capable of registering SIP accounts, and a tablet acting as an emulator (with the option of replacing it with a VoIP telephone). For its proper operation, the project encompasses several fundamental aspects:
- Architecture Planning: The system structure must be defined in advance, detailing the arrangement of the components, the type of connectivity between them—whether wireless or wired—and the configuration required for the optimal operation of the devices.
- Component Coordination: Synergy among the different elements of the system is essential. Detailed procedures must be followed to ensure that they operate cohesively, as if functioning as a single entity.
- Asterisk Configuration: Proper configuration of Asterisk is essential and represents a significant part of the project. This process includes everything from its installation on the Raspberry Pi to the implementation of the parameters required for optimal performance.
- Automation and Scripting: The use of programming languages such as Python makes it possible to automate essential tasks in Asterisk through scripts, such as adding, deleting, or modifying extensions.
- Maintenance and Scalability: The design must facilitate long‑term maintenance and allow for future expansion of the system. Sustainability is a key component for its viability as a telephone solution in clinical simulations.
Associated images or videos:
Conclusions:
The implementation of a digital telephone switchboard leveraging the capabilities of Asterisk represents a substantial improvement in the quality and realism of clinical simulations. This tool enriches the simulated experience by providing an environment that more closely mirrors the one healthcare personnel will encounter in their professional practice. By facilitating effective communication and offering an authentic learning setting, this switchboard enables healthcare professionals to better prepare for the scenarios they will face in real hospital environments. The integration of this system underscores the importance of accuracy in the recreation of clinical situations and reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare training.
References:
Asterisk CLI. (2016, 4 mayo). Minestron. https://www.minestron.it/
Comunicaciones Reunidas, SL. (n.d.). HTEK UC923U – IP phone with 8 SIP accounts, 2xGb, PoE, color. https://www.crsl.es/es/HTEK/
Rus, C. (2019, July 25). Raspberry Pi 4 is official: a complete update with a Cortex‑A72 processor, up to 4 GB of RAM and… Xataka. https://www.xataka.com/
Opiniones TP‑LINK TL‑MR6400 – Customer reviews and tests from LDLC. (n.d.). https://www.ldlc.com/es-es/
Linphone open source VoIP SIP softphone – voice, video and instant messaging. (s. f.). https://www.linphone.org/
Deleting stuck records in the PJSIP channel of Asterisk PBX | VozToVoice. (n.d.). https://www.voztovoice.org/?q=
Contact email:
Date of completion:
13/03/2024