SUN Delegates take healthcare simulation to new level

2011 Melbourne SUN

Medical training and simulation education reached a new high this month when over 100 local and international guests descended upon St Kilda Novotel for the Simulation User Network (SUN) 2011 Conference.

Over three action-packed days, delegates immersed themselves in a series of interactive workshops and lectures with the aim of improving the workplace readiness of Australia’s healthcare practitioners.

Now in its second year, the 2011 conference drew on the well-known benefits of using simulation technologies and added a crucial new dimension; skill refinement and best practice.

Key highlights

Key highlights included a fully simulated and moulaged ‘earthquake disaster’ scenario, and a series of inspiring presentations from local and international simulation specialists. In particular, the presentations from keynote speakers Dr Kristina Dreifuerst from Indiana University (USA), Professor Andy Newton from the University of Surrey (UK), and Associate Professor Marcus Watson from the Queensland Health Clinical Skills Development Service, were all excellently received.

The conference also provided some much needed networking time:

“It’s a great way to catch up with other people who are working in the field and share our experiences. Aside from acquiring new skills, I’ve also had the chance to share best practice tips; it’s definitely been worthwhile” said one delegate.

The 2011 SUN conference was sponsored by Laerdal Australia and New Zealand, and presentations from key speakers are available on the Simulation User Network site. If you are interested in attending the 2012 SUN conference, please register your interest at customer.service@laerdal.com.au.