A simulating experience for country health professionals

A simulation course for doctors and nurses using highly realistic mannequins is on its way to Armidale as part of a program which ensures country health staff have access to the most up to date education.

The three day course is being held at the University of New England starting tomorrow (25 October) through until Thursday (27 October).

HNE Health’s Director of Simulation, Cate McIntosh said 50 doctors and nurses from Armidale, Glen Innes and Inverell will be attending.

“A team of doctors, nurses and an engineer will run the course at Armidale with the help of a truckload of audiovisual and computing equipment from John Hunter Hospital,” she said.

The equipment is set up in the University of New England’s Simulation Lab to resemble a ward, an emergency department and operating theatres where staff will practice mock situations.

Dr McIntosh says the course gives health professionals the chance to rehearse emergency situations they wouldn’t often find themselves in, yet need to be prepared to manage at any time.

“The mannequins react to conditions in the same way a human patient would, with speech, breathing and blood pressure, among other features,” Dr McIntosh said.

“The doctors and nurses will have to determine the nature of the patient’s condition and the best way to treat them, under the same time constraints as a real life incident.”

The realistic nature of the ‘patient’ and the use of real clinical equipment and situations also make it easy for the staff to immerse themselves in the experience.

“Although they find it stressful, like pilots training on a flight simulator, the courses provide an opportunity to rehearse for serious but rare events, without any risk to patients,” Dr McIntosh said.

“The course is a chance for our country health professionals to have access to the same training available to staff based in the city,” Dr McIntosh said.

At the same time as the health staff are being trained, local HNE Health and University of New England staff will be trained to conduct their own simulation courses so the education is ongoing.

“The training will provide a mutual opportunity for the University and the Hunter New England Skills and Simulation Centre, to further develop their professional relationships, build expertise and safely practice techniques, while further considering the way simulation can be utilised within professional teaching practice,” Dr McIntosh said.

The Simulation Courses are being held at the University of New England between 25 and 27 October 201

Contact: Sharna Mccarthy

Phone: 4921 4801