About Us
SimEd aims to provide high-quality resources for Clinicians, Educators, Students, Technicians and Simulated Patients who are engaged in simulation-based education and training.
Supporting a community of practice in regional Victoria and beyond, SimEd provides a platform for sharing ideas, knowledge and experience of all current and future practitioners. SimEd provides a hub for discussion around the technical and educational aspects of simulation in healthcare education and for students, supports just-in-time learning and the development of work-ready skills.
SimEd has been created and developed by La Trobe University, as part of a broader commonwealth funded simulation project.
This project received funding from the Australian Government
The Team
Lesley McKarney
Lesley has a doctorate in developmental biology, postdoctoral research experience in molecular neurobiology, and extensive experience in the education and health sectors. She has specific knowledge of healthcare education and training, and health workforce issues.
Lesley has developed and managed simulation training centres at La Trobe University’s regional campuses and as recipients of Australian government funding, Lesley and her team have worked tirelessly over the past 3 years to expand and embed simulation skills in the Hume and Loddon Mallee regions of Victoria.
SimEd is part of her vision for promoting interprofessional education through simulation and improving work readiness of undergraduate students.
Kirrian Steer
Kirrian was attracted to simulation as a way of combining her three key areas of interest – healthcare, education and technology. As Simulation Coordinator, Kirrian manages the Hume Simulation Alliance project, and has worked with colleagues at LaTrobe University to establish and run a successful Simulated Patient program. Additionally, Kirrian develops scenarios for, and provides technical and operational advice to the four campuses of the LaTrobe Rural Health School.
Kirrian has a strong community involvement; she is an Officer of the Board for SimGHOSTs, a professional association for those involved in simulation technology, and also Chairs the Continuing Professional Development Committee for Osteopathy Australia.
Kirrian has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Clinical) and Bachelor of Osteopathic Science from RMIT University, and a Master of Preventive Medicine from Edith Cowan University.
Libby Semmens
Before taking the role as a project officer for La Trobe University, Libby had worked in both in customer service and sales. With a degree in Business/Marketing, Libby has enjoyed working on the SimEd web site design and marketing strategy.
Libby is also responsible for the management of the simulated patient bank at La Trobe University, Bendigo and works across the Loddon Mallee and Hume SLE projects to ensure that the project deliverables are on track for completion.
Facilities
La Trobe University Rural Health School has a number of purpose built simulation rooms for running simulation scenarios including
- Midwifery
- Trauma Care
- Nursing scenarios
- Mental health scenarios
Acute ward simulation lab
The acute ward simulation Lab is a fully functional, twelve beds, vinyl-floored ward simulation area, in conjunction with a central carpeted area designed to seat 32 learners.
Dual ceiling-mounted data projectors are linked to the educator lectern located at the front of the room, which enables projection from a number of input sources, including PC, document camera (overhead projector), connection point for a laptop, as well as full video-conference capability. There are four additional celing-mounted trainable cameras located at the front of the room, clustered around a single bed at the front of the ward. Output from these cameras can also be transmitted onto a single large flat-panel display adjacent to the bed.
- All bed positions are fitted with fully-functional wall-mounted medical gases (air, oxygen) and suction along with multiple power outlets.
- Four hand-washing/hygiene stations are located at the entrance to the ward.
- The ward is also fitted with Audio-Loop equipment.
Midwifery/High Dependency Nursing Simulation Lab
The Nursing/Midwifery Simulation Laboratory is designed to replicate a birthing suite or single occupancy hospital ward, and has ensuite toilet/shower facilities (non-functioning) to assist with training patient handling. The room also has a single hand-washing/hygiene station.
- Along with a video conferencing camera, the room is fitted with 4 trainable ceiling mounted video cameras (3 in ward, 1 in ensuite), that can have audio/video feeds linked to the main simulation lab (CT222) to enable larger class groups to observe simulations in real time.
- The single bed position is fitted with fully functional wall-mounted medical gases (air, oxygen) and suction along with multiple power outlets. There is also a wall access point for the connection of educator laptops to allow projection onto the two large wall-mounted flat panel displays.
- All of the room's audio-visual equipment can be operated from the adjacent control room, which also has a one-way window overseeing the lab.
Musculoskeletal simulation lab
The musculoskeletal simulation lab, located on level 3 of the La Trobe Rural Health School Clinical Teaching Building is primarily used by physiotherapy, podiatry and occupational therapy disciplines.
It has seating for 30 learners, and 12 physiotherapy plinth beds (including two double or bariatric plinths). The room equipment includes a treadmill walking/running machine and a small set of stairs with hand railings for patient assessment. Audio-visual equipment includes ceiling mounted projection equipment that can be linked to the room's PC, document camera (overhead projector) and educator laptops. There are also 5 ceiling-mounted, trainable video cameras that can be linked to the projection equipment or use to record classes through the University's video recording application, as well as a dedicated video conferencing camera. The room is also equipped with a kitchenette and two handwashing/hygiene stations.
LTU offers these rooms along with trainers for hire to other learning providers and health care organisations.
For a full list of facilities and to find out how to hire contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.