Mobile Sim Van: Crossing boundaries to make midwifery simulation based learning accessible to rural and remote Victoria - Excellence in Motion.

Abstract

Background: Midwifery simulation based learning traditionally occurs in dedicated Sim Labs often attached to large; metropolitan based facilities. Accessing these can be difficult for practitioners working in rural and; remote areas as is the case within the Victorian Grampians region which extends some 48,000 sq; Kms. This challenge has been viewed as an innovative bridge to progressed clinical education; through partnership. Method: Literature and industry reviews reveal that few Australian providers have packaged clinical; simulation based learning into a mobile format. SimVan is a mobile integrated learning environment; which takes clinical simulation directly to practitioners delivering an immersive learning experience; comparable to that of embedded simulation centres. Results: SIM VAN commenced operation in January 2013 and has travelled 24,000 Kms, delivered; 35,000 simulation hours and 1657 sessions. Over time, links between SIM VAN and improved; outcomes for midwifery and neonatal presentations across the Grampians region are expected to; become palpable. Conclusions: The construct of taking simulation based learning out of the “Sim Lab” and into the; rural/remote clinical setting has provided quality clinical simulation based learning wherever it is; required. The adaptation of what we know and have in the way of resources was a driving force; behind crossing the boundary into what we needed.