The Victorian Simulated Patient Network (VSPN) has recently been re-branded and re-launched as Simulated Patient Network (SPN). In addition, the SPN is now operating as a not-for-profit organisation rather than its previous training-only status.
 
The purpose of SPN is to create a network for individuals with a special interest in simulated patient (SP) methodology. SPN provides resources for SP methodology practitioners (both educators and SPs) and offers a platform for them to communicate. SPN will also continue to provide learning modules for individuals who are interested in SP methodology.
 
The learning modules were developed by a number of experts in SP methodology, including Professor Debra Nestel (who is also the Founder and Director of SPN), Dr Cathy Smith and Associate Professor Debra Kiegaldie (who holds the leadership role in VSA). The modules consist of 13 topics such as foundational introduction to SP methodology, program management, SPs in assessment and working with children as SPs.

At the moment, membership for the SPN remains free and provides access to the modules. The future strategy of SPN is to offer more benefits for members. SPN is also working on information specific to SPs within the learning modules.
 
As a communication hub for SP methodology practitioners, SPN hosts a discussion forum. While information can be accessed without registration, to comment or post, registration to the forum is required.
 
SPN has revamped its news section to function as a blog, bringing the latest news and information in SP methodology. Additionally, SPN maintains social media pages on both Facebook and Twitter
 
While the SPN is currently undergoing transition to its new identity, the site is accessible via both www.vspn.edu.au and  www.simulatedpatientnetwork.org.
 
For further information about SPN write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Check out the KeyIn newsletter for some great information, tutorials, and see who won there Moulage Contest. Additionally, all of the product information for products and services associated with the topic will be added to KeyIn!

1. Announcing the KeyIn Moulage Contest Winner! - Plus check out all the gory runner ups
2. Low-Resource Moulage - Moulage for the budget-conscious
3. Disciplined Moulage Training - How to get the best learning outcomes
4. Overcoming the Freeze Instinct - The role of moulage in training unshakable responders
5. Moulage Tutorials Galore - Learn how to enhance any simulation scenario

The Victorian Simulation Alliance (VSA) is a multi-disciplinary Victorian community of practice which aims to support you in implementing simulation-based education within your current role and link metropolitan with regional/rural members.

Read the VSA September eNews

Highlights of the Healthy Simulation newsletter #67 include;

• 7 sets to achieving record growth for your healthcare simulation program & Octoer's best of newsletter
• Updates from SimGHOSTS
• Is this the most beautiful healthcare simulation center in the world?

Find the link to the online Healthy Simulation newsletter here or vist Healthy Simulation for more news.

The Faculty of Health Sciences will be hosting the 6th ACU Simulation in Health Education Showcase on Wednesday 7th December 2016 at the Melbourne campus.

The ACU Simulation Showcase provides an opportunity for like-minded academics and technical staff working with health simulation in higher education to share information and resources, develop good practice, build skills, and establish relationships.  

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

The 2016 Showcase theme “Sustaining quality simulation post-Health Workforce Australia” aims to provide attendees with a range of engaging, creative and thought-provoking approaches to the use of quality simulation in undergraduate and post-graduate health.  Abstracts are being accepted for the following presentation formats:

• Oral presentations (15 mins);
• Workshops (120 mins); and
• Hands-on demonstrations (45 mins).

We also include the following formats where attendees may pick up handy hints through informal interactive sessions.  We are therefore also seeking submissions for:

• “Touch and Feel” sessions where attendees may get to experience an approach to simulation you have developed, adopted or modified; and
• Posters.

Please see the flyer for more information and the abstract template.

Submission of abstracts close on Friday 30th September 2016.

For academic or technical staff who may not be interested in presenting but are interested in attending, please save the 7th of December 2016 for the 6th ACU Simulation in Health Education Showcase.  Whilst formal invitations including registration details will be distributed in early October, Early Bird registration is available now. 

PASSWORD: ACUsimulation

Please feel free to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like further information about the 6th ACU Simulation in Health Education Showcase.

Steve Guinea PhD
Senior Lecturer | Faculty Coordinator of Health Simulation | Faculty of Health Sciences
Australian Catholic University

Level 5, Office 5.47, 250 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002
T: +61 3 9953 3857 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  W:www.acu.edu.au

 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.

There's still time to register for 2016 Virtual Courses! Register now for only $495 per course (see further savings when you Join SIM-one) and learn at your own convenience, anywhere across the world. 

Simulation Scenario Writing

Learn to create authentic simulation scenarios with our faculty experts! Over 12 weeks, this course will enable you to master the essential principles of effective and engaging scenario design through presentations and discussions. 
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Dates: Sept. 19 to Dec. 9

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Briefing, Debriefing and Facilitating Simulation

Over 12 weeks, this course will help you develop an understanding of the essential principles of briefing and debriefing. You will also gain current and relevant knowledge on the importance of simulation for the success in any healthcare profession and organization.
Cost: $495+HST
Dates: Sept. 19 to Dec. 9

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Simulation Research: Best Practices for Planning a Research Study

Learn the tips and tools of building a research study. The course will also offer guidance on practical issues such as method planning, grant applications, knowledge mobilization planning, and team building. 
Cost: $495+HST
Dates: Oct. 12 to Nov. 30

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Read the latest Healthy Simulation newsletter online dated Wednesday 7th of September

Here's is the Best of HealthySimulation.com:

• Top 9 Most Read Healthcare Simulation Articles from Summer 2016
   
• The Must-Own Healthcare Simulation Library *Updated for 2016
   
• WISER Provides Simulation Courses For All Staff Positions
   
• INACSL’s Latest Simulation in Nursing Journal Highlights Standardized Patients
   
• CREST Provides Cultural Respect Simulation Training
   
• The Language of Sales – How to Increase Your Simulation Budget
   
• 3 Key Resources to Expand Your Simulation Program
   
• Why You & Your Simulation Program Should Avoid Flying United Airlines

healthysimulation.com

Laedral asked a panel of experts how they convinced their institutions to invest in simulation. Their answers almost always centered on Return on Investment, ROI. How each expert defined ROI may surprise you. Not all spoke in financial terms, but all agreed: simulation improves organizational performance and outcomes.

Laerdal's free video series is designed to help providers and leaders within healthcare adopt simulation as a means for improving individual skills and optimizing team performance.

www.Laerdal.com

 

Check out all these awesome keynote and plenary session recordings online, from recent SimGHOSTS events, with more still to come:

• SimGHOSTS USA Keynote Address by JUMP Director Dr. Voz Sponsored by SimNEXT
• SimGHOSTS-ASPiH UK Keynote by Lance Baily on the Current Future of Healthcare Simulation Sponsored by CAE Healthcare
• SimGHOSTS USA Plenary by C. Trappe on Increasing the Social Media Presence of Your Sim Center, Sponsored by CAE Healthcare
• More Keynote and Plenary Video Recordings Coming Soon from SimGHOSTS Platinum and Gold Sponsors!

Visit SimGHOSTS for more information and upcoming events, courses and subscription.