Simulated training goes mobile

Leading Age Services Australia Victoria has launched an innovative new training project to deliver mobile simulated education to aged care facilities across the state.

Leading Age Services Australia Victoria has launched an innovative new training project to deliver mobile simulated education to aged care facilities across the state.

Kirby Leitch, Nurse Placement Supervisor (Aged Care) and Charmi Shah, Project Support Officer LASA Victoria with simulation mannequin
Kirby Leitch, nurse placement supervisor (aged care) and Charmi Shah, project support officer LASA Victoria with simulation mannequin

Using a simulated training van, LASA Victoria’s clinical education team will be able to deliver training to  staff in a range of clinical scenarios including catheterisation, tracheostomy care, palliative care and wound management.

Dr Pamela Johnson, LASA Victoria’s nurse placement programs coordinator, said the mobile training unit using the latest simulation technology was the first of its kind in Victoria.

“Simulation training is conducted a lot in universities but we also need to take it to staff within aged care facilities where continuing education and upskilling is incredibly important,” said Dr Johnson.

She said staff could practice a range of clinical procedures on the life-like mannequin including inserting PEG tubes, listening to chest and bowel sounds, as well as monitoring pulse and blood pressure.

Staff could also practice responding to different scenarios such as swallowing difficulties or caring for someone with a cognitive impairment.

“The clinical supervisors can also stand back and listen to the students talking to the mannequin and respond through the mannequin,” said Dr Johnson.

The simulation van, which was funded by Health Workforce Australia, will be able to take training targeting aged care nurses and care workers to all parts of Victoria and will limit the amount of time release required through on-site visits.

Villa Maria’s learning and development manager, Sandra Bowen, said the van would make staff training easier to access and more cost-effective.

“The van is an opportunity for people to tap into the latest in teaching methodologies and equipment” she said.

Dr Johnson said the clinical education team was currently finalising the education program, which was being tailored to industry needs before hitting the road in coming weeks.

Tags: education, LASA Victoria, simulation,

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