The iEXCEL℠ initiative will be housed in the Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning, a $102 million project planned for the southeast corner of 42nd and Emile Streets in Omaha.
The proposed three-story, 125,000-square foot facility would serve as a resource for the state, the nation and beyond. The facility, in part, would be capable of virtual immersive reality environments for both individual and interprofessional learning, and have teleeducation, telepresence (visualization) and telehealth networking capabilities. It also would have collaborative space for engineers, graphic artists and instructional design experts to develop and research new learning tools and techniques.
Earlier this year, the Legislature approved $25 million for construction of a simulated education building at UNMC, as well as $2 million for operations and maintenance of the new facility. Additional funding support for iEXCEL℠ and the proposed Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning will come from industry partnerships and private funds.
While based at UNMC’s Omaha campus, the center will benefit the entire state, including UNMC campuses in Lincoln, Kearney, Scottsbluff and Norfolk, as well as UNMC’s primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, and its regional health partners. It also will serve as a resource to Nebraska’s state colleges and the military, while bolstering continuing education and statewide training for all of Nebraska’s health care practitioners.
As such, the care provided to patients would improve, making Nebraska a healthier state in which to live, said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
In addition to improved quality of care, the center would provide:
· Better population health through emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion.
· Lower costs of care by improved quality and safety outcomes.
· Enhanced learning and preparedness through revitalized education models and more effective techniques.
Economic development opportunities through course development and health care training.
The NU Board of Regents is expected to vote on the project’s program statement this fall. If approved, construction could begin in early 2017 with possible completion in summer 2018.