World-class healthcare perfected through new simulation collaborative
In the first of its kind, a Bond University and Gold Coast Health partnership will help transform healthcare teams and systems worldwide through the provision of hyper-realistic, scenario-based training which is quite literally delivered ‘on the job’.
Officially launched this week, the Bond Translational Simulation Collaborative is an academic and operational alliance aimed at improving patient care – through research and training with high performing healthcare teams who practise their work through simulation.
The Collaborative is led by Director, Dr Victoria Brazil, who is an emergency physician at Gold Coast University Hospital and medical educator at Bond University. Dr Brazil is one of Australia’s foremost experts in ‘translational simulation’ and is backed by a team of expert consultants with extensive international experience in healthcare, education, quality improvement and anthropology.
“Translational simulation is not about mannequins and CPR. It’s about developing high-performance teams and systems and delivering research-infused education,” Dr Brazil said.
“To put it more simply, it’s about improving patient care through great practice and great research. We help healthcare teams do their work better, together.
“For example, by using an inflatable CT scanner we can reimagine, test and refine how to get patients in our emergency departments into the scanner faster and smarter.”
Dr Brazil said the collaborative would build on the comprehensive simulation strategy developed at Gold Coast Health, where participants ranged from health and medical students, through to specialist practitioners with years of experience.
“We know the significant impact simulated education and training can have on improving care delivery in medical settings, and we’ve really seen the benefits of being able to rapidly upskill large numbers staff in recent times, non-more so than since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“Simulation not only allows us to embed practice through shared expertise, education and training, but also test new ideas and potential solutions - including equipment, technology and techniques.
“The skills and technology we are developing through simulation is improving the quality of healthcare delivered not just locally, but nationally and internationally.”
Final year medical student Omar Alsayed, who is currently on his simulation rotation, said the training offers invaluable skills to hone down the track.
“Rotations are almost purely observational so this gives us a bit more hands-on involvement. It’s pretty realistic – you’d be surprised what you can do with these simulations.”
Gold Coast Health Executive Director for Clinical Governance, Education and Research Dr Jeremy Wellwood, said the health service’s partnership with Bond University was a ‘natural fit’.
“Gold Coast Health is recognised as a centre of excellence for world-class healthcare. So, as a complex and busy health service, it’s the ideal partner for Bond University to explore the applications of translational simulation in healthcare,” Dr Wellwood said.
“Importantly, this collaborative alliance will support our health service to get even better at providing the right care and the right time to patients.”
The Bond Translational Simulation Collaborative provides consultancy and bespoke training, in person or remotely, and its expertise extends simulated patient, manikin and hybrid methodologies, including moulage and technology adjuncts. The Collaborative is also involved with world-first research, and research collaborations, focused on using simulation to transform healthcare teams.