News

Faculty Spotlight: Melissa Ciardulli

25 October 2021

Melissa Ciardulli, MAdEd, AdvClinNur, BNAppSci (Nursing) RN is currently the Simulation Program Leader for the Faculty of Health Sciences, Youth and Community Studies at Holmesglen Institute, Melbourne, Australia. She believes it is particularly exciting to be working in simulation, not only in the well-established area of nursing, both diploma and bachelor programs, but throughout the facility in allied health and community services.

With 25 years of experience in paediatric intensive care nursing she holds graduate and postgraduate qualifications in nursing and education and recently completed a Master of Adult and Vocational Education. She is also co-authoring a chapter on Paediatric Nursing for a Springer textbook on Simulation in Nursing. She feels very honoured to have joined the Events Committee for the Victorian Simulation Alliance and look forward to facilitating a Feedback and Debriefing workshop, as part of the Victorian Simulation Alliance Professional Development Series in September.

In her role as Simulation Program Leader, she has led several simulation initiatives across the faculty including the introduction of an Intraprofessional Simulation for Bachelor and Diploma of Nursing students, a collaborative program with STEM high school students to experience healthcare careers through simulation and working with the Dental, Community Services and Allied health departments to embark on a range of innovative simulations in their courses.

Melissa is a passionate advocate for simulation and in developing learners to become capable, knowledgeable, and compassionate individuals ready for success in the healthcare and human services field.

Melissa can be contacted via her LinkedIn profile

Melissa will be co-facilitating our last virtual workshop for 2021, covering Module C2: Being a simulation educator, together with Professor Debra Nestel. For more details about this workshop see: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/nhet-sim/workshop-information/virtual-workshops

NHET-SIM Workshop - Central Australia Health Service – Alice Springs Hospital, NT. On 18th June 2021

5 July 2021

On June 18^th NHET-Sim workshop, Module C2: Being a simulation educator was held at the RED Centre Alice springs Hospital. It was organised through the Clinical Education Team. The workshop was facilitated by Sharon Cassidy (Nurse Education Coordinator) and Naomi Morick (Director of Nursing Midwifery Education Research & Training).

Ten diverse participants immersed themselves in a fantastic day of learning, dialogue, collaboration, simulated activities and robust debriefs. The interprofessional group consisted of educators, midwifery experts, critical care experts, anaesthetists, and retrievalists, providing rich experiences and deeper understanding of the concepts required to be a successful simulation educator. The phases of simulation were explored through dance. An upbeat club version of the Macarena had our pulses racing and toes tapping.  An experience at ‘J Mart’ provided much mirth in an un-conventional store – I am not sure if we have all quite recovered!

Simulation modalities sparked huge interest in the group as we peeked into the realm of future educational methodologies through the use of augmented reality and the Curiscope Virtuali – Tee. The participants also debated the benefits of such technologies for simulation, education and client care. The future in simulation modalities is vast and as simulation educators, we strive to increase fidelity, presence, and immersive experiences for all participants.

The course sparked new contacts and simulation alliances were born. We are sure to see some fantastic simulation events in the near future and the facilitators are excited to see the group of simulation educators grow both in enthusiasm and capabilities in Central Australia.

We are looking forward to our upcoming courses - hope to see you there!

Source: Sharon Cassidy, Nurse Education Coordinator, Central Australia Health Service

To see upcoming NHET-Sim workshops in your area, visit: here

Details to host your own NHET-Sim workshop: here

Details to join the NHET-Sim faculty to facilitate your own workshop: here

The Adele Callaghan Award for Healthcare Simulation and 2020 Awardee – Estelle Houlihan

7 July 2020

The NHET-Sim program together with Lodden/Malle and Hume region simulation collaborative would like to acknowledge the contribution of the late Dr Adele Callaghan as a key faculty member through The Adele Callaghan Award for Healthcare Simulation . Dr Callaghan passed away at Bendigo Hospice on January 2nd, 2019.

Dr Callaghan was a pioneer in healthcare simulation. She made substantial contributions to the NHET-Sim program and was instrumental in its uptake in the Lodden/Mallee and Hume regions. In 2020, Dr Callaghan was awarded her PhD from Monash University. The thesis explored the skills junior doctors require for recognising and managing deteriorating patients.

We are pleased to announce that the 2020 recipient of The Adele Callaghan Award for Healthcare Simulation is Estelle Houlihan. Estelle has been working as the Simulation Coordinator at Goulburn Valley Health for the past three years. During this time, she has been involved in the development and implementation of simulation scenarios. She has also worked with the Hume Simulation Alliance and is a committee member of the Victorian Simulation Alliance.

Estelle has just started the Scenario Design for Simulation-based Education course at Monash University, working towards her Graduate Certificate in Clinical Simulation. She says: “I am absolutely honoured to be the recipient of the Dr Adele Callaghan Award for Healthcare Simulation.

Simulation based learning is a wonderful way to develop and enhance the learners’ knowledge. Creating a safe space for nursing and medical staff to practice and learn new skills is very rewarding, particularly observing the participants a-ha moment!

I am honoured to accept this award and move from the clinical apprenticeship mode of clinical simulation into a formalised Graduate Certificate of Clinical Simulation with Monash University.”

Once again, we would like to congratulate Estelle on her achievement. For more details about The Adele Callaghan Award for Healthcare Simulation see here.

Feeling like an Impostor? – Invitation to participate in a research study

9 April 2020

Image source

Dear Healthcare Simulation Educators,

You are invited to participate in a study exploring the experience of impostor phenomenon and its influence on transitions in professional identity of healthcare simulation educators. The study is being conducted through the University of Western Australia, with Kirsty J Freeman (PhD Candidate) conducting the research. You are invited to take part in this project because you work in healthcare simulation.

The online survey, participant information and consent can be accessed via the link below.  If you agree to participate, it should take approximately 10-15 mins to complete: Click here.

Ethics approval has been provided by the HREC of the University of Western Australia (RA/4/20/5061).

Thank you for your time.

For more details, you can contact:

Kirsty J Freeman

Researcher – PhD Candidate

Phone: +65 89219676

Email: kirsty.freeman@research.uwa.edu.au

Source: Kirsty J Freeman, Researcher – PhD Candidate, University of Western Australia

NHET Sim Workshop at Port Hedland, WA on 26 and 27 September 2019

10 December 2019

In September, Hedland Health Campus hosted NHET-Sim workshops for WA Country Health Service. The workshops were held over 2 days, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September. The following modules were covered:

• C2 module: Being a simulation educator
• S9 module: Debriefing in simulation
• S10 module: Developing scenarios

The course was organised through the WA Country Health Service Medical Education Unit and was facilitated by Kirsty Freeman, lecturer at the University of Western Australia and Simulation Specialist.

Sixteen participants from the Pilbara region of Western Australia immersed themselves in the 2 full days of simulation theory and practice. These participants have varied experiences and come from different areas of expertise, resulting in interesting and enjoyable sessions where practical application of learnings took place. At the end of the workshops, the participants took away tips and tools to apply within their own unique settings and practices in rural WA.

NHET-Sim workshops hosted by WA Country Health Service will continue in 2020 with the goal of visiting all 7 regions.

Source: Gaby Hutchinson, Simulation Education Coordinator, WA Country Health Service

To see upcoming NHET-Sim workshops in your area, visit: here

Details to host your own NHET-Sim workshop: here

Details to join the NHET-Sim faculty to facilitate your own workshop: here

Welcoming Kristin Valen, a visiting Simulation Fellow from Oslo Metropolitan University/Western Norway University

6 November 2019

Kristin Valen is a PhD student at the Health Sciences program at Oslo Metropolitan University. She holds a Master’s degree in palliative care and has clinical experiences from different medical departments in Norwegian hospitals from 1991 -2010. She also works as an Assistant Professor at Western Norway University College since 2008 primarily teaching nursing students.

Her research topic is: Nursing students’ competence development in palliation through simulation and hospital practice.

The aim of the quantitative part of the research project is to investigate nursing students’ self-report of knowledge, skills and competence in palliative care at baseline and after simulation. The study also examines whether the participants have opportunities to use learning outcomes from simulation within hospital practice. The qualitative aspect of the study investigates whether simulation prepares nursing students for patients with palliative care needs and explores if learning outcomes from palliative care simulation stagnated or further develops with hospital practice.

During October and December, Kristin will be staying in Melbourne as well as Brisbane. She is looking forward to exchange and collaborate in research within the field of simulation in palliative care in undergraduate nursing education. She is currently completing the NHET-Sim Program and will be attending the NHET-Sim workshop at Griffith University on the 13^th November 2019.

Some of the findings from her study is presented in the paper below:

Valen, K., Holm, A. L., Jensen, K. T., & Grov, E. K. (2019). Nursing students' perception on transferring

experiences in palliative care simulation to practice. 77, 53-58. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2019.03.007

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30954856

For collaborative opportunities, please contact kristin.valen@hvl.no

Visiting Simulation Fellow from Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES) - Anne Marie Rieffestahl

1 October 2019

Anne Marie Rieffestahl is a Danish PhD student from Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES). At CAMES, Anne Marie works with the ‘Patients as teachers’ program where people with chronic conditions have been recruited and qualified to participate in medical education. Her qualitative research is inspired by the program and explores the role of patient involvement in patient-centered communication skills training for medical students.

During her stay at Monash, Anne Marie will be very happy to do exchange and collaboration of research within the field of simulated/real patients in undergraduate medical education. She will share details of her own research and that of CAMES and hope to be able to work closely with relevant researchers/research teams to be exposed to a range of qualitative methodologies.

Anne Marie has an MSc in Anthropology from the University of Copenhagen. She also holds an MSN degree in nursing and has extensive international experience from hospitals in Denmark, Norway and Greenland and in health work with Médicins sans Frontiéres in Sierra Leone and Myanmar.

For collaborative opportunities, please contact Anne Marie at anne.marie.rieffestahl@regionh.dk

Establishing simulation activities in Nepal

17 September 2019

In March 2018, Laerdal implemented the project "Transforming Maternal and Child Health in Nepal through Simulation-Based-Education". This is done through public-private partnership project with GESELLSCHAFT FÜR INTERNATIONALE ZUSAMMENARBEIT  (GIZ) . The project is designed to strengthen pre-service and in-service midwifery training of two universities that offer Bachelor in Midwifery course, and seven Skilled Birth Attendant (SBA) training sites.

Through this project, simulation has been integrated into the curricula and the training of faculty to deliver midwifery education. The process is still ongoing. The first Midwifery Simulation Lab has been established in Kathmandu University and was inaugurated by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population of Nepal, in May 2019. It was followed by the first formal SBE training in Nepal which was attended by faculty of midwifery, Nepal Nursing Council, Nursing and Social Security Division, MoHP. Three sessions of Training of Trainers (ToT) to midwifery faculty and SBA trainers have been conducted in the country since May 2019.

Laerdal was approached by development partners, MoHP to help integrate SBE into existing and upcoming curriculum and training programs. In June 2019, simulation training was provided to trainers and mentors of USAID's Health Strengthening System for Better Health (SSBH) project. Currently, the trainers are training healthcare providers located in health facilities that are in remote areas of Nepal using this methodology. One of the healthcare centres is in the Dolpa district where there is no road access and one must walk for 11 days to reach the health facility.

Workshops on SBE is being conducted in various medical and nursing colleges across the country. The published paper, Simulation-based education workshop: perceptions of participants, details one of the workshops that we have conducted in one of the medical colleges. The paper can be accessed here.

Source: Dr Asmita Acharya, President and founder of Simulation Society of Nepal, Consultant - Program Implementation Nepal, Laerdal Global Health

Upcoming VSA event: An evening with KT Waxman

On Thursday 29th August, the Victorian Simulation Alliance is hosting an exclusive one-off event at RMIT with KT Waxman as she discusses “My Journey in Simulation”. She will be covering all topics from how she started her career in simulation, her achievements, how she has overcome challenges and where she sees simulation in the future.

There will also be plenty of time at the end for your burning questions to be answered. After the conversation, there will be plenty of delicious nibbles and a drink or two waiting to quench your thirst! See our website: www.vicsim.org.au for further information and to register before tickets are gone.

For more details, see here.

Source: Brittany Kiegaldie, Victorian Simulation Alliance

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NHET Sim Workshop Recap – Broome, WA 27th May 2019

15 July 2019

Broome Health Campus hosted the first NHET-Sim workshop for WA Country Health in 2019. The workshop was held on Monday 27^th May and covered the C2 module: Being a simulation educator.

The course was organised through the Medical Education Unit – WA Country Health Service and facilitated by Kirsty Freeman who is a lecturer at the University of Western Australia and Simulation Specialist.

Eighteen participants from the Kimberley region of Western Australia immersed themselves in a full day of simulation theory and practice, having a few laughs along the way. The room was filled with varied experiences and areas of expertise. The participants took away tools to apply in their own unique settings and practices in WA Country.

Next stop for NHET-Sim in the WA Country Health Service is Port Hedland in the Pilbara Region on the 26th and 27th September 2019.

Source: Gaby Hutchinson, Simulation Education Coordinator, WA Country Health Service

Upcoming NHET-Sim workshops in your area

Details to host your own NHET-Sim workshop

Details to join the NHET-Sim faculty to facilitate your own workshop

2019 Australasian Simulation Congress

The Simulation Australasia Board and 2019 Australasian Simulation Congress Organising Committee warmly invite you to join us at the Gold Coast Convention Centre for the 2019 Australasian Simulation Congress.

The 2019 Australasian Simulation Congress will explore the theme of Balance and Disruption.

The ASC took a break for 2018, but we are back bigger and better for ASC 2019 – mark September 2nd – 5th in your diary. Building on the success of the last Congress, and with the continued efforts of our marvellous volunteers, staff, Convenors and Board, and the extensive plans already in place, the 2019 Australasian Simulation Congress is shaping up to be an outstanding event!

To join us, we invite you to share your research, demonstrate your wares and connect with like-minded simulation developers and users around the world.

Location: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
Date: September 2nd – 5th, 2019

For more information about the ASC

Source: Sheila Woodhart, Sponsorship and Exhibition Manager, All Occasions Group - All Occasions Management.

PRONTO International – Optimising care during birth through simulation education

15 April 2019

PRONTO International was founded by Professor Dylis Walker, Susanna Cohen and Jen Fahey in response to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 (to reduce child mortality) and 5 (improve maternal health) as well as, a call from the Mexican government to develop a program to improve the quality of care for women and neonates during obstetric emergencies.

The program’s main goal is to optimise care during birth by developing and implementing innovative training strategies that act as a catalyst for health care providers to make individual, team, and systems changes. The program:

• provides low-cost, highly realistic obstetric and neonatal training for inter-professional teams in resource-limited settings worldwide.
• assists local teams in diagnosing system barriers and identifying achievable strategies to improve patient safety and birth outcomes.
• promotes kind, dignified, and culturally responsive care of women and babies through interactive training modules.
• uses highly realistic simulation and debriefing to train functional teams in effective communicate and practice change.

It currently operates in Kenya, Uganda, India, and East Timor. One of the strengths of the program is that it is adaptive to the locality of where it is being implemented, which is achieved by working closely with local partners. The program is also based on evidence-based adult learning and simulation theory. In addition to simulation training, PRONTO International also offers simulation facilitator training which is aimed at individual providers so that they can conduct and implement simulation and team training programs within their own facilities. The program also developed the PartoPants^TM—a low-cost simulator to simulate vaginal birth, which is worn by a simulated participant (SP). This simulator is part of the PRONTOPack^TM which is a portable and affordable self-contained birth simulation training kit offered by the organisation.

The outcomes of the program in Mexico include, over 5000+ healthcare providers and 150+ trainers trained, increasing knowledge and self-efficacy of the healthcare providers trained, impacting institutional change, and reducing neonatal mortality as well as decreasing the need for Caesarean deliveries.

For more details about the PRONTO International, visit their site.

This article is originally published on The Simulated Patient Network (SPN) Blog

New book on simulation for acute neurology

19 March 2019

NHET-Sim faculty with an interest in acute neurology might be interested in the following book by Hocker and Wildicks from the Mayo Hospital Clinic: Simulation in Acute Neurology

ISBN: 9780323551342
Website: Click here

Simulation in Acute Neurology is a reference on the execution of a simulation-based educational program in the management of acute neurologic emergencies. Simulation in  Acute Neurology has practical value because it contains detailed descriptions of our simulation scenarios.

Part I provides an overview of the principles of simulation in medicine and examines the many unique opportunities simulation provides as an educational tool. Barriers to simulating neurologic emergencies are also discussed. Simulation allows a physician-in-training to be observed directly as he or she evaluates and manages acute neurologic disease.

Part II is the core of the book. Fifteen acute neurologic emergencies, including complex neuroethical quandaries, are presented in detail, step by step, decision by decision, error after error. Each chapter in this section starts with an explanation of the essence of the discussed neuroemergency (THE PROBLEM BEFORE US), followed by a description of the scenario itself (THE PRESENTING CLINICAL PROBLEM), how scenarios can be adjusted to different types of learners (ADAPTING THE SCENARIO), and ends with a discussion of topics for feedback, which are generally focused around errors and pitfalls (DEBRIEFING). To show the flow of scenarios, we created two additional main headings: (THE IDEAL LEARNER) and (THE NOT-SO IDEAL LEARNER).

Guidance on Developing Quality Interprofessional Education for the Health Professions

27 Febuary 2019

The IPE Guidance document has been released by The Health Professions Accreditors Collaborative (HPAC) and the National Centre for Interprofessional Practice and Education. The document, though covers aspects of IPE in general, supports the development and implementation of quality Inter-Professional Education (IPE), including those using simulation. The document:

• Suggests consensus of terms, definitions related to IPE and related concepts for developing, implementing and evaluating IPE
• Advocates institutional leaders need to develop a systematic approach to foster IPE in their own institution and, where appropriate, with collaborating academic institutions, health systems, and community partners
• Proposes a framework (which includes rationale, goals, deliberate design, and assessment and evaluation) for program leaders and faculty to develop a plan for quality IPE
• Provides opportunities for HPAC member accreditation boards/commissions to utilize the guidance to assess their IPE standards and to train site visit teams regarding essential elements of quality IPE.

For further details and to download the guide, please click here.

At the recent IMSH2019 conference in San Antonio, Dr Richard Riley became a Fellow of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, joining Professor Debra Nestel as just two Australia-based Fellows.

New code of ethics for simulation practitioners

A past President of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, Dr Christine Park, has led an international initiative to develop a code of ethics for simulation practitioners.  The Code is downloadable.

There are special considerations for practitioners when using simulation as an educational method and the code seeks to address them.

The six aspirational values described in the Code of Ethics are:

1. Integrity
2. Transparency
3. Mutual Respect
4. Professionalism
5: Accountability
6. Results Orientation

NHET-Sim workshop at Adelaide on 30 November 2018

29 January 2019

Royal Adelaide Hospital hosted a NHET-Sim Workshop on Friday, 30 November. The topics covered were the following:

• Elective Module – S9 Debriefing in simulation
• Elective Module – S12 Simulation-based interprofessional education (IPE)

Both Professor Debra Nestel and Dr Cyle Sprick thoroughly enjoyed delivering the program.

Thank you to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for hosting and the keen participants for attending the session. Both the facilitators hope that the participants enjoyed the short course as much as they did delivering it.

To see upcoming NHET-Sim workshops in your area, click here

Details to host your own NHET-Sim workshop

Details to join the NHET-Sim faculty to facilitate your own workshop

NHET-Sim Faculty Development Workshop - 11 December 2018 - Monash Uni

27 November 2018

NHET-Sim workshop at Toowoomba Hospital and Health Service

13 July 2018

A NHET-Sim workshop was hosted by Toowoomba Hospital and Health Service on the 18^th May 2018. Two modules were covered: i) Elective Module S12 - Interprofessional Simulation and ii) Elective Module S9 - Debriefing in Simulation. The interactive session was facilitated by Jules Bennet who is the Lead Clinical Educator – Clinical Skills & Simulation from The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Rural Clinical School.

The group who attended the workshop were mainly made up of Nursing Educators, a Doctor and a Paramedic. Some of the participants had travelled far distances (e.g. Cunnamulla., Kingaroy etc) to attend the event. There were a good mix within the group including a few who were novices to simulation.

To see upcoming NHET-Sim workshops in your area, visit:

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/nhet-sim/workshop-information/program-workshops

Details to host your own NHET-Sim workshop:

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/nhet-sim/workshop-information/hosting-workshops

Details to join the NHET-Sim faculty to facilitate your own workshop:

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/nhet-sim/workshop-information/facilitating-workshops

Introducing NHET-Sim faculty member – Jules Bennet

26 June 2018

Julie (Jules) Bennet is a Lead Clinical Educator – Clinical Skills and Simulation at the University of Queensland Rural Clinical School Hervey Bay. Jules has over 30 years nursing experience and has spent the last 13 years in undergraduate and postgraduate medical and nursing education. During this time she has fulfilled many simulation and education roles including District Director of Education for Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service in which she was responsible for the education of over 4000 medical, nursing and allied health professionals and students.

Her primary areas of interest include faculty development, quality management in simulation and mentoring. She is the current Chair of the Rural, Regional and Remote Special Interest Group and is passionate about mentoring and supporting Simulation Practitioners in rural communities.

Jules has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Education, Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation and Graduate Certificate in Emergency Nursing.

Jules has facilitated a number of NHET-Sim workshops across Queensland in 2018

NHET-Sim workshop at the Women’s & Children’s Health Network

12 June 2018

On the 18th April 2018, a NHET-Sim workshop was hosted by the Women's & Children's Health Network The module covered was S12 - SIMULATION-BASED INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION.The session was facilitated byDr Cyle Sprick, (Director of the Medical Simulation Centre at Flinders University), Sally Wadsworth and Leanne Stacy (both from the simulation team based at the WCHN).

The goal of the workshop was to enable the consolidation of the e-learning component of the module. It also gave participants an opportunity to implement and reflect on IPE scenarios. Within the workshop, participants were invited to set goals for future IPE simulation in their area. The event was attended by 17 participants from a diverse range of departments within WCHN, including WABs medical and Midwifery, Paediatric Medicine and Surgery as well as Allied health.

To see upcoming NHET-Sim workshops in your area, visit:

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/nhet-sim/workshop-information/program-workshops

Details to host your own NHET-Sim workshop:

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/nhet-sim/workshop-information/hosting-workshops

Details to join the NHET-Sim faculty to facilitate your own workshop:

https://www.monash.edu/medicine/nhet-sim/workshop-information/facilitating-workshops

Introducing NHET-Sim faculty member - Cameron Knott

23 November 2017

Cameron is an intensive care specialist with an interest in clinical education, person-centred healthcare redesign, inter-professional clinical simulation aimed at vocational team development and system improvement.

He is an intensive care specialist in the tertiary Austin Hospital and the regional Bendigo Hospital, Victoria, Australia.

He holds the Academic Lead role of the Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre at Monash Rural Health Bendigo, the Education and Simulation portfolio at Austin Health’s Intensive Care Unit and the Clinical Performance and
Innovation portfolio at Bendigo Health Intensive Care Unit. He is an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Austin Clinical School.

His Master of Clinical Education focuses on simulation educator faculty development.

Needs analysis of the Victorian simulation community of practice

26 October 2017

NHET-Sim members are invited to participate in a research survey from Monica Peddle (La Trobe University) and Dr Karen Livesay (Victoria University).

The Victorian Simulation Alliance (VSA) through funding from the Victorian Government, is conducting a project to support Victoria’s existing and new simulation communities of practice. The aim of the project is to expand the capacity and capability of the Victorian health and human services workforce in simulation-based education (SBE).

Whilst the project focuses on Victoria, VSA aims to collect data from a wider population and welcomes information from other locations. The research seeks the widest possible response rate and therefore VSA seeks your assistance to forward this link and attachments to other staff within your organisation who have an interest in SBE. The project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of La Trobe University.

If you have any questions about the questionnaire or the study, please email Monica Peddle: m.peddle@latrobe.edu.au

Please click on the link to complete the survey click here

The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and it will close on November 6th. Please ensure your opinions and needs are recorded.

Note: NHET-Sim has no association with the research project other than disseminating the invitation to participate.

NHET-Sim workshop in Mt Isa

NHET-Sim was excited to hold a workshop in Mount Isa last week, facilitated by Tanya Langtree and Emy De Zen at the Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health. The workshop covered modules C2 - Being a simulation educator, S9 - Debriefing in simulation and S10 - Developing scenarios.

The feedback was very positive, with participants highlighting that the workshop offered a "lot of practical sessions and feedback"  as well as valuable opportunities for group discussion and the sharing of ideas.

If you'd like to host a NHET-Sim workshop contact us on med-nhet-sim@monash.edu and see the website for more details.

Free webinar on theories informing simulation practice

19 October 2017

The Australian NHET-Sim community might like to know that MedEdWorld offer free webinars. Professor Debra Nestel led one today with her colleagues, Dr Gabriel Reedy and Prof Peter Dieckmann. This is the first of two webinars on theory that informs simulation practice.

The first webinar covered generic ideas about world views, theories and conceptual frameworks. Gabe then spoke about cognitive load theory and Peter on Installation theory. Take a look and listen at this link. You may want to tune in on November 10 for the second part although it's not at a civilised hour if you live in Australia.

Find out more

Simulation Congress 2016 Presentation Highlight: Innovating a Paediatric Robotic Motion Arm for Neurological Sensory Feedback Response by Nadine Alcorn

14 June 2017

Alcorn’s presentation introduced a novel solution to improve realism during simulation scenarios with paediatric patients (manikin-based) experiencing neurological deterioration. The team at Kids Simulation Australia created a robotic motion arm to simulate sensory feedback during neurological examination.

The robotic motion arm was created to address the lack of authentic limb movement in simulators and in particular, the replication of motor limb flexion and extension responses during neurological examination of a paediatric patient. Improving simulator realism is important in assisting learners to recognise the subtle cues involved in the assessment and management of neurological injury in children. The aim of improving realism in paediatric simulation will enable the transfer of learning into actual patient care.

The challenges faced when developing the solution includes space constraints (one size does not fit all), the need to negotiate current systems (paediatrics) and cost. The team came up with the idea modifying an arm from the Laerdal® ‘MC Kid Trauma’ moulage kit and controlling it with a push button and joystick via a wireless transmitter. Therefore, the arm can be transferred between Laerdal manikins (SimJunior, MegaCode Kid and NursingKid). The modification includes a linear actuator with a customised metal elbow pivot joint. This allowed for the lifting force and pivot required to enable realistic limb movement. Through this, the team were able to simulate movements according to various scenarios, factoring in motor responses associated with fluctuating levels of consciousness with varying degrees of flexion, extension and rotation from the elbow.

Evaluation using simulation was undertaken to assess the success of the solution. Subjective interpretation by students of the limb movement were considered, as well as objective assessment by faculty or an observer. The results indicated the following:

*63% accuracy in interpretation of level of consciousness using the AVPU pneumonic and Glasgow Coma Score
*50% indicated appropriate sedation and pain assessment scores by utilising the State Behavioural Scale and MAPS

It was also observed that due to role fixation, some students missed the arm movement. The flexing occurring only at the elbow also resulted in missed limbed movement during scenarios. As the system utilises wireless sensors, there were times when the arm moved unexpectedly with external wireless systems. However, the team believed that the robotic arm has the potential to deliver improved realism which will assist accurate neurological assessment of paediatric patients as well as the transfer of learning to clinical practice.

For more information regarding this project, please contact:
Nadine Alcorn (Nadine.alcorn@health.nsw.gov.au)
Kids Simulation Australia
Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick

Prof Debra Nestel is inaugurated to the Academy, Society for Simulation in Healthcare

05 May 2017

In January, during the International Meeting for Simulation in Healthcare, Debra became a Fellow of the Academy, Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). The Academy recognises individuals whose sustained contributions have had an impact on the field of healthcare simulation. Debra has led the NHET-Sim Program since it's commencement. She is Editor-in-Chief, Advances in Simulation, https://advancesinsimulation.biomedcentral.com/, an open access journal of the Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine. She has edited a book on Simulated Patient Methodology and will shortly publish a book on healthcare simulation.

Debra is Co-Chair of the Simulation Committee, Association for Medical Education in Europe, and has held leadership roles with Simulation Australasia. Debra has established a simulated patient network,  http://www.simulatedpatientnetwork.org/. Debra is the only Fellow of the Academy who lives and works in Australia. She is pictured here receiving the award from the Immediate Past President of the SSH, Dr Chad Epps, the current President, Dr Christine Park and the President Elect, Dr Joe Lopreiato.

Debrief2Learn

01 February 2017

In 2016, Adam Cheng and several colleagues launched the website www.debrief2learn.org, focusing on making debriefing and feedback resources accessible to clinical and simulation educators.

Debrief2Learn has now launched the “Coffee Talk” Series of Podcasts – where world experts in simulation, debriefing and feedback provide their thoughts on hot topics.The first podcast is a wonderful discussion featuring Walter Eppich (a faculty friend of NHET-Sim) and Michaela Kolbe–  who discuss the benefits and challenges of blended-method debriefing for healthcare simulation education.

http://debrief2learn.org/blended-approaches/

The NHET-Sim Facebook group will notify you when new materials are posted. So please join our group at @nhetsim and be kept informed of new resources, simulation activities and what’s happening in the NHET-Sim Program.

The NHET-Sim team wishes you a happy new year

December 2016

2016 has been a busy year for us. We launched the revised online modules, we implemented our new governance structure, our new workshop hosting options, new website format and got busy on social media – please connect with us through Facebook and Twitter. We’ve ended the year with workshops in Victoria (Epping and Melbourne) and Queensland (Gold Coast and Cairns) and have an exciting schedule of workshops in the first six monthsof 2017.

We say farewell to Anthea Power our Program Manager as she returns to Western Australia. Having joined the team in 2013, Anthea has made an important contribution to NHET-Sim including the organization of workshops, updating the website, compiling evaluation data, conducting evaluation interviews, report writing and so much more. Anthea has loved working with the NHET-Sim community and I would like to thank her on behalf of all NHET-Sim friends for her thoughtfulness and generosity and wish her well in 2017 and beyond.

We welcome Mati Chinyanda from the Monash Institute for Health and Clinical Education to the Program management.

Have a safe and happy Christmas holiday and new year.

Faculty Development Workshop at Epworth Health, December 2016

December 2016

We held the first NHET-Sim Faculty Development workshop in Melbourne on December 5 at Epworth Health. Tess Vawser hosted the workshop for which we are grateful – another opportunity to work within the beautifully equipped hospital-based education centre.

Eight faculty worked with Prof Debra Nestel & A/Prof Margaret Bearman covering topics directly relevant to the NHET-Sim Program – especially changes in modules and also logistics as we seek to achieve a sustainable and quality assured program. A/Prof Margaret Bearman led two sessions –one on using theories in simulation practice and the other on programmatic assessment. We also undertook additional scholarly activity by reviewing recent articles on debriefing practices.

Participants valued all these offerings enormously, together with learning from each other. Our simulation appetite was well and truly nourished by the end of the day. We’re all looking forward to facilitating NHET-Sim Workshops in 2017.

Summary of Keynote Presentation at Simulation Congress 2016 – The Debriefing Challenge: Training Future Leaders with Effective Debriefing

November 2016

(Originally posted on 21 October 2016 by the Simulated Patient Network )

One of the keynote presentations at Simulation Congress this year was by Dr Adam Cheng. Cheng believed that the key driver of effective debriefing is better patient care and outcome. The ideal patient experience can be achieved through debriefing in education and patient care.

Citing the work of Kouzes and Posner, The Leadership Challenge, he argued that effective debriefing requires the application of 5 leadership qualities. Good leaders should possess the following abilities:

1. Modelling the way
2. Inspiring a shared vision
3. Challenging the process
4. Enabling others to act
5. Encouraging the heart

Cheng suggested that these qualities can be exhibited during the debriefing process through the consideration of these 5 factors:

• Timing (When do you carry out the process?)
• Method (For example, PEARLS approach)
• Objectives (Faculty-centred vs learner-centred)
• Co-facilitation (When 2 or more facilitators are involved in the process – opportunity for peer coaching)
• Script (Standardising the process)

One of his key messages during the keynote was that there is no one correct method to carry out debriefing. Instead, the process is dependent on context and situation. He also challenged the idea that debriefing should be faculty-centred. Instead, he proposed that it should be more learner-centred.He posited post-debriefing through peer coaching is essential to improve debriefing skills. Cheng believed that faculty development should include debriefing training. He also shared a resource for learning more about effective debriefing: www.debrief2learn.org

Sim Congress Wrap-up

October 2016

September saw simulation enthusiasts congregate for the annual Australasian Simulation Congress (ASC) at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne. The congress brings together both the SimHealth and SimTect conferences. This year it also incorporated the International Simulation and GamingAssociation  (ISAGA).

Some of the SimHealth highlights included Dr Adam Cheng’s presentation on The Debriefing Challenge, Carrie Hamilton’s work on Will This Building Work? The Rough (and Ethical) Guide to Large Scale Simulation (With Children) and Professor William McGaghie’s presentation on Medical Educationas Translational Science.

Dr Cheng introduced us to the complexity of Debriefing. From teacher/learner contribution time to the many different methods of debriefing to how to handle your plans for a structured debrief being altered by the observations of the participants.

Meanwhile Carrie Hamilton raised some interesting points and considerations when working with children as simulated patients. She explained the process of ‘connecting’ with them, often through literature they were currently reading, to play a particular character. Her project also detailed the use of local residents to help familiarise them with their new hospital and gain their input on construction.

Professor McGaghie provided evidence for the use of simulation to obtain mastery level with clinical procedures. One of the significant points of his research was that practitioners taught by those who had received mastery level training through simulation also improved.

The conference also featured various workshops and panel discussions. Our very own, Professor Debra Nestel, participated in several panel discussions and chaired the SimHealth Free Papers presentations on surgical simulation education.

Before the conference commenced members of the newly formed Executive and Steering committees met to discuss plans for the NHET-Sim program. Keep your eyes on this space for the latest news and announcements of upcoming workshops. We will also be bringing you more feature stories from our time atSim  Congress.

Society for Simulation in Healthcare, Presidential Citation

Professor Debra Nestel, Program Lead, NHET-Sim, was awarded a Presidential citation, from the US-based Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The citation reads: In recognition of her significant contributions to advancing implementation science for simulation supported education across health professions on a global scale, and for her visionary leadership, mentorship, and scholarship in healthcare specific educational research. The NHET-Sim program is an example of Professor Nestel’s leadership in healthcare simulation.

NHETSim wins award for innovation and flexibility in curricula, learning & teaching

December 9 2015

NHETSim has won the 2015 Office for Learning and Teaching award for Programs that Enhance Learning: Innovation and flexibility in curricula, learning and teaching presented during a ceremony held at Parliament house in Canberra yesterday.

The Australian Awards for University Teaching are designedto  recognise quality teaching practice and outstanding contributions to student learning. They aim to support recipients, through knowledge sharing and dissemination, to contribute to systematic change in learning and teaching.

NHETSim is thrilled to have won this important award and would like to acknowledge and thank everyone in the simulation community who has contributed to the success of the program.

Role Available in Cambodia

12th February 2015

Today is our final workshop for the NHET-Sim Program

15th December 2014

Proof of professional development completion

3rd December 2014

Proof of professional development will NOT be available after the close of the Project.

If you are seeking evidence of your completion of the NHET-Sim Program, please download your certificates NOW!

12 more days of NHET-Sim workshops…

1st December 2014

NHET-Sim finishes on December 31st 2014

Workshops will be held at the following venues in the 2nd week of December:

• Bond University – Bryn Baxendale S9, S10
• Monash University – Peninsula Campus C2, S2, S4
• Victoria University – St Albans C2, S9, S10
• Monash University – Peninsula Campus S9, S10
• La Trobe University Bundoora S5, S9
• St Vincent’s Hospital (Ambulance Victoria) C2, S2, S4
• Calvary Health Care ACT – Bryn Baxendale S9, S10
• Concord Hospital – Bryn Baxendale S9, S10

Wanting to complete more workshops before the close of the NHET-Sim Program?

November 25^th 2014

The NHET-Sim Program finishes on December 31st 2014?

• Workshops will be held at the following venues in early December:
• Toowoomba Hospital – C2, S2, S10
• Federation University Churchill – C2, S2, S4
• La Trobe University Bendigo – C2, S9, S10
• Pindara Private Hospital Benowa – S2, S4
• SJOG Murdoch – S5, S6
• South West Hospital & Health Service, Roma – C2, S2, S4
• CSU Bathurst – C2, S5, S6
• Northern Health, Bundoora – C2, S2, S4

Webinar on the use of simulation for preparing healthcare workforce to deal with patients with ebola virus disease

19th November 2014

NHET-Sim registrants may be interested in a webinar organised by Simulation Australia and scheduled for Friday afternoon, November 21,4.00pm – 5.15pm AEDT. The tile is: Using Simulation to Prepare Health Professionals for Working with Patients with Ebolavirus Disease (EVD): An International Perspective.

The link provides additional information.

http://eepurl.com/8G0BP

NHET-Sim Milestones

6th November 2014

We are pleased to advise we are on track to meet our target of 4,595 completions for the NHET-Sim Program. The following milestones have been achieved:-

• 4,047 completions to date
• 6,000 registrations reached on November 3rd 2014
• 25 workshops held in October 2014 with a further 50 booked for November and December.
• During the month of October 2014 we had a record 317 completions

November is the month to review what action is needed to ensure you have completed all your NHET-Sim requirements and taken full advantage of this Program before the Christmas rush.

The NHET-Sim Program is ending on December 31st 2014:

4th November 2014

The NHET-Sim Program is ending on December 31st 2014

• No guarantee that registrants will have access to the online modules after December 2014
• Complete the two core modules and any elective modules prior to the end of the year
• Progress to Foundation or Foundation + level in October 2014 or November 2014 to go into the draw for one of ten copies of a simulation education book.

Over 50 workshops planned from November to December 15th 2014. Book now to ensure you do not miss out.

November is the time to complete the NHET-Sim Program:

2nd November 2014

It’s time to review which NHET-Sim elective modules you would like to complete before the end of the year. The following elective modules can be completed purely online:

• S1. Being a simulation technician
• S7. Virtual environments
• S8. Simulated learning environments: Program management
• S11. Teaching with task trainers

Progress to Foundation or Foundation + level in October or November 2014 and go into the draw for one of ten copies of a book about simulation education. Make sure you complete the NHET-Sim Program before December 31st 2014.

For further details about electives, press this link: http://www.nhet-sim.edu.au/nhet-sim-program-3/optional-modules/

Complete NHET-Sim in October and November 2014 to win a prize:

7th October 2014

The NHET-Sim Program ends on December 31st 2014. As there is no guarantee that registrants will have access to the online modules after December 2014 it is imperative that all registrants who have not completed two core modules and any elective modules to do so in October and November 2014.

All participants who progress to a Foundation or Foundation+ level in October 2014 or November 2014 will go into the draw for 1 of 10 copies of a simulation based education book.

Book options are:

• Essential Simulation in Clinical Education (Edited by Forrest, McKimm & Edgar) or
• Simulated Patient Methodology: Theory, Evidence and Practice (Edited by Nestel and Bearman)

Winners will be notified by email and will receive their book in the mail.

October 2014 and November 2014 are the months to complete any further online modules and to take advantage of participating in any of the 75 NHET-Sim workshops on offer until the end of the year.Register now for workshops via the calendar.

UK based international facilitator to visit in December 2014

1 October 2014

The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) accredits NHET-Sim Program for MidPLUS Points

26 September 2014

We are pleased to advise the NHET-Sim Program has been accredited by the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) for Continuing Professional Development points. The purpose of the accreditation process is to promote the provision of high quality, relevant and appropriate CPD activities that meet the ongoingeducational          needs          of Australian midwives.

An allocation of 66 MidPLUS Points has been approved for the entire NHET-Sim Program. The number of actual activity hours equals the number of CPD points, therefore one hour of CPD activity equals one CPD point. The number of CPD hours that may be claimed depends on the combination of          modules selected          and completed by the participant.For further information please see the the CPD Activities tab on this website.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) accredits NHET-Sim Program for CPD hours

9 September 2014

Ray Page Lifetime Simulation Achievement Award

28 August 2014

The Ray Page Lifetime Simulation Achievement Award was recently awarded to Professor Debra Nestel, HealthPEER and School of Rural Health, at the SimHealth and SimTecT conferences in Adelaide on August 27^th 2014.

The Award is presented by Simulation Australia, the national body for those working in simulation across Australasia, in recognition of an outstanding contribution, made over an extended period of time, to the advancement of modelling and simulation in Australia or New Zealand.

For over thirty years, Professor Debra Nestel has demonstrated vision, integrity and leadership through her commitment to healthcare simulation education and research. She has developed an approach to learning, teaching and assessing clinical skills – ‘patient-focused simulation’ –that          is          now adopted internationally, Debra has raised the profile of simulated patients in healthcare professions education and has led a unique initiative – a national training program for simulation educators –(NHET-Sim).

S9 and S10 debriefing workshops at RACS in October 2014

4 August 2014

Australian Primary Healthcare Nursing Association (APNA) endorsement for CPD hours

14 July 2014

We are very pleased to advise that our application for the endorsement of CPD hours for the NHET-Sim Program with the Australian Primary Healthcare Nursing Association (APNA) has been successful. NHET-Sim has been approved for APNA endorsement for a period of 24 months from July 14 2014. Upon successfulcompletion          of the Program, eligible participants may claim a total of up to 24 CPD hours. For example, basic completion level consists of:

Two core modules (C1 – e-learning = 3 hours, C2 – e-learning = 3 hours plus full day workshop= 6 hours; C2 total of 9 hours: total = 12 hours ) and choice of

Two electives ( e-learning = 3 hours plus half workshop = 3 hours, total 6 hours X 2: total of 12 hours)

Total program = 24 hours

We encourage all Primary Healthcare Nurses to take advantage of this free professional development opportunity that is available until December 2014. For further details, please see the NHET-Sim website.

International guest facilitator – Dr Pamela Andreatta to visit in August 2014

June 2014

We are pleased to announce a further international simulation education expert will be co-facilitating workshops for the NHET-Sim Program in August 2014.

Dr Pamela Andreatta, PhDis an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA. Pamela is currently the President-Elect and member of the Board of Directors of the international Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).Pamela studiesthe use of advanced          practices in individual and team-based methods of instruction, performance assessment, and maintenance of competencies in medical, surgical, nursing and allied health practices.

Pamela will co-facilitate NHET-Sim workshops for modules S9 (Debriefing) and S10 (Developing scenarios) at the Mater Hospital, Brisbane on August 18^th,Griffith University on the Gold Coast on August 19^th and then travels to Adelaide to deliver workshops at Flinders University – Adelaide on August 21^standat          the Adelaide Health Simulation and Skills Centre on August 22^nd 2014.

This in a unique opportunity to be involved in a workshop with a facilitator recognized as an international expert in their field. Secure your place in a (S9) Debriefing and (S10) Developing scenarios workshop held on the one day. Book online via the calendar on the home page.

**STOP PRESS** Free training open to undergraduate students / trainees

The National Health Education and Training in Simulation (NHET-Sim) Program is a national training program offered free of charge and funded by Health Workforce Australia. The Program is now available to undergraduate students until the 31stDecember 2014.

The NHET-Sim Program is designed forindividuals new to educational delivery. Therefore, it is suited forundergraduate students close to graduation. The NHET-Sim Program uses simulation as the basis to explore clinical education and provides students with additional experiences to add totheir curriculum          vitae. Certificates are issued for every module completed.

Participants can complete the program purely online or a combination of online and in person workshops. Participants can choose as many modules as they like.

The NHET-Sim Team is based at Monash University, Clayton and will work with you to coordinate workshops for your student group or can link students with workshops at other venues.

In summary, can you either let your students know about the NHET-Sim Program directly OR contact the NHET-Sim office so the NHET-SIm team can work with you to provide optimal access for your students.

For more information, please contact the Program Manager Clare Byrne via clare.byrne@monash.edu or on 03 9905 0221.

Closure of Health Workforce Australia (HWA)

13th May 2014

In the 2014 Budget the Australian Government announced the closure of Health Workforce Australia (HWA), with essential functions transferring to theFederalDepartment of Health.

HWA closed on 6 August. Funding agreements and other business functions are being managed by theFederalDepartment of Health, which can be contacted by using the online enquiries form at the following address: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-central.htm

Alzheimer’s Australia (Victoria) to host NHET-Sim workshops

May 2014

International guest facilitator feedback

May 2014

NHET-Sim Program extended to December 2014

April 2014

In celebration of SimulationWeek

SimulationWeek is an initiative of Simulation Australia and runs from Saturday, May 3^rd to Friday, May 9^th 2014. SimulationWeek is an opportunity to promote the many forms of simulation in our organisations andcommunities and to help celebrate its many accomplishments.

To celebrate SimulationWeek during May 3^rd to Friday 9th, we are joined by international guest facilitator Dr Nancy McNaughton from the University of Toronto.

The NHET-Sim Program will also celebrate by providing participants who attend NHET-Sim workshops during the week of May 5th to May 9th, 2014 with a small gift – a NHET-Sim branded reusable coffee cup.

Weare also having a draw with five participants who completed a minimum of two core modules and two elective modules by the 30^th of April 2014 were automatically entered in the draw for one of five copies of the book – ‘Essential Simulation in Clinical Simulation’ This book is edited by UK based anaethetist, Dr Simon Edgar, who is visiting Australia in late May to help launch the          new Debriefing          modules.

Winners will be drawn during SimulationWeek and notified via email.

Many individuals and organisations have provided news story or a video highlighting the great work being completed using simulation.

To view the exciting snapshot of simulation, see www.simulationweek.com.

International facilitator visits April – May 2014

March 2014

Dr Walter Eppich will be in Australia to help launch the new workshop modules. Walter is a paediatric emergency medicine physician in Chicago and has taught extensively in the USA and internationally on simulation educator courses and has been co-investigator on multiple simulation-relatedresearch          grants.          Walter will be in Australia from March 24^th to April 4^th and will be assisting in the launch of the new NHET-Sim modules. Walter will be delivering workshops in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Dr Nancy McNaughton will also be joining the program as a guest co-facilitator for selected Debriefing (S9) and Developing scenarios (S10) workshops. Dr McNaughton Med, PhD is the Associate Director and Director of Research at the Standardised Patient Program at the University of Toronto,Canada          and will be visiting Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales. Join a workshop in Perth on May 5th and 6th, Darwin and Alice Springs on May 8th to 12th or in Sydney on May 15th 2014.

Dr Simon Edgar is a consultant anaesthetist in Edinburgh, Scotland and the Director of Medical Education for NHS Lothian. Simon will be co-facilitating workshops in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. Join a workshop in Hobart on May 19th and 20th, Geelong on May 23rd, in Adelaide on May 26th and 27th or in Victoria on May 29th to 30th 2014.

Workshop booking for participants;

Bookings for debriefing workshops are now open and the booking code was emailed to eligible participants (these workshops are open to NHET-Sim registrants who have completed two NHET-Sim core modules and two NHET-Sim electives). Workshop numbers are limited and bookings are essential. For further information,contact          the NHET-Sim office on 03 9905 0221 or mailto:nhetsim@monash.edu

Free professional development opportunity for healthcare clinicians and educators