There is some exciting news related to the VSPN as well as general news related to SP methodology.
VSPN is now SPN
To cater for future directions and development, the Victorian Simulated Patient Network is now Simulated Patient Network (SPN). Soon, you will notice a new logo and a new site address will be in use: www.simulatedpatientnetwork.org.
What does it mean for you?
At the moment, members do not have to do anything. The learning modules will be available for all members until further notice.
NHET-Sim is re-launched
This award-winning programme has been re-launched on Friday, 1st July 2016. The NHET-Sim programme provide professional development opportunities to better use simulation as an educational method for healthcare students and professionals.
Register now for the core module workshop on September 23 in Melbourne: http://www.nhet-sim.edu.au/event/nhetsimc2/
The training consists of both e-learning modules and workshops. It includes training modules for SP methodology and other modalities of SBE. For more details about the program and details for registrations, visit: http://www.nhet-sim.edu.au/
ASPE Survey
The Association for Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) needs input from SP educators. They seek to understand better the depth and breadth of the work of SP educators. The data will be used in the following way:
- Inform ASPE leadership on how to better respond to the needs of their members.
- Contribute to knowledge about the profession that can be shared with others.
To participate in the survey: https://survey.uvm.edu/index.php/982136/lang-en
Call for participants for a PhD study: ”The lived experience of adolescent SPs in health professional education”
What is the study about?
"Specialized skills are needed when managing adolescent care. Health professional education is diversifying by including adolescent simulated patients (SPs) in learning activities. SPs are well people trained to portray specific conditions in a realistic way.
Research on the involvement of adolescent SPs in education demonstrates benefits for learners and adolescents. Primarily for the learner, they can increase motivation and confidence, enhance the development of empathy, assist the learner to develop a professional identify and ease the transition from learner to health professional. Adolescent SPs also value the experience as their ability to discern "good and bad doctors” allows them to positively influence the preparation of medical students. In addition, the development of self-confidence and communication skills, along with the remuneration offered, are positive facets of adolescent involvement.
A balanced perspective also acknowledges the potential for negative effects, particularly in the short term. Research indicates that, at times, adolescents can feel like their role portrayal has become hard work, and impacts on their extracurricular activities and social commitments. The impact on academic performance and increasing worry about their own health are also possible outcomes. Although adolescent SPs have been involved in simulation for some 30 years, limited research exists on what the experience is like for the adolescent. It is anticipated this study will provide vital information regarding the employment of adolescents in simulation, identify whether adolescents experience harm and therefore whether health education should really be including adolescent SPs at all.”
Participants' profile:
SPs aged between 11-18 years, both male and female.
What is required from participation?
A one-off interview with each participant. The interview is expected to take about an hour.
The ethics approval number for this study is: MUHREC Approval CF15/4767 - 2015002044
To participate in the study or for more details, contact the researcher:
Andree Gamble: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Upcoming conferences
For a list of upcoming conferences see: http://www.vspn.edu.au/?page_id=638
Simulated Patient Network
w: www.simulatedpatientnetwork.org
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.