Victorian Simulation Alliance - VSA

Have you seen this recent article on simulation-based workforce development? 📘

This study explores how simulation-based education was used to rapidly expand critical care capacity across Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To address shortages of trained intensive care staff, researchers developed a series of high-fidelity simulation workshops designed to upskill physicians, nurses and allied health professionals in critical care practice. The program reached 569 healthcare workers from more than 80 institutions across the country.

The study found significant improvements in participants' knowledge, confidence and ability to apply critical care skills in practice, with more than 90% reporting that the training improved their clinical management of critically ill patients.

Read the full article here: https://journals.lww.com/simulationinhealthcare/fulltext/2026/04000/assessing_the_efficacy_and_impact_of_using_a.7.aspx

Have you seen this VSA resource on cultural safety in healthcare? 📘

This 11-minute video explores the role of simulation-based education in developing cultural safety among healthcare professionals.

The resource examines how simulation can create meaningful opportunities for learners to reflect, practise communication skills, and engage with culturally safe approaches to patient care in a supported environment.

Watch the video here: https://www.vicsim.org.au/resources/scenario-role-of-simulation-in-promoting-cultural-safety-in-healthcare/

📣 Final Call for Sponsors - NHSC26

With strong interest already received, sponsorship opportunities for the National Health Simulation Conference 2026 are filling quickly.

This is your organisation's opportunity to:
✅ Connect directly with key decision-makers
✅ Showcase your products, services and innovations
✅ Increase brand visibility within the healthcare simulation community
✅ Build meaningful relationships across the sector

Limited opportunities remain across selected sponsorship and exhibition packages.

View the prospectus and secure your place: www.vicsim.org.au/uploads/nhsc26/sponsorship-prospectus-nhsc26-260521.pdf

Have you seen this recent article on interprofessional simulation? 📘

A new paper explores how an escape room was used to support peer-to-peer teaching and learning among interprofessional healthcare students, while building knowledge of age-friendly care.

Rather than simply participating in the simulation, a team of students worked together to design, develop and facilitate the escape room experience themselves, creating learning opportunities for both the student educators and participants.

Read the full article here: https://www.johs.org.uk/article/doi/10.54531/SASH7845

⭐ NHSC26 Platinum Sponsor Spotlight ⭐

The National Health Simulation Conference 2026 is proud to welcome Laerdal as our Platinum Sponsor.

For decades, Laerdal has been a global leader in healthcare simulation, helping educators and healthcare organisations improve patient outcomes through innovative simulation solutions, training technologies, and educational resources.

Their ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare education and simulation practice continues to support clinicians, educators and health services across Australia and around the world.

Thank you to Laerdal for partnering with us to help bring NHSC26 to life.

Learn more about Laerdal: https://laerdal.com/au

Learn more about NHSC26 and register here: https://www.vicsim.org.au/events/national-health-simulation-conference-2026/

🚀 Our new website is live!

We've refreshed the Victorian Simulation Alliance website to make it easier than ever to connect with the simulation community, access valuable resources, discover upcoming events, and stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare simulation.

Whether you're looking for educational resources, webinar recordings, event information, or opportunities to connect with colleagues across Australia, you'll find it all in one place.

Take a look around and explore what's new:

VSA - Victorian Simulation Alliance The Victorian Simulation Alliance (VSA) is a free service to all, supporting our subscribers to contribute to simulation innovations across our health and human services community.

📣 Tomorrow's webinar is proudly sponsored by Skybox Health

Skybox Health is an Australian EdTech company helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative digital health education.

Their flagship platform, Skybox EMR, enables learners to engage with realistic clinical workflows, patient scenarios, and interprofessional collaboration in a safe, curriculum-integrated environment.

A huge thank you to Skybox Health for supporting our webinar, Learning Through Dialogue: Simulation and Debriefing in Practice, and helping advance simulation-based education across our community.

There's still time to join us tomorrow. Register now: https://buff.ly/Im5sRMO

🚨 ABSTRACTS CLOSE TONIGHT 🚨

This is your final chance to submit an abstract for NHSC26.

Have you led a simulation program, conducted research, implemented an innovative approach, improved patient outcomes, or learned valuable lessons worth sharing with the wider simulation community?

We want to hear from you.

Join healthcare simulation professionals from across Australia as we come together under the theme One Community, Shared Impact to share ideas, challenge thinking and inspire future practice.

🎤 Oral and poster presentations welcome
📅 Abstract submissions close tonight
📍 Gold Coast, Queensland
📅 21–22 October 2026

Don't miss your opportunity to be part of the program.

Submit your abstract now: https://www.vicsim.org.au/events/national-health-simulation-conference-2026/

Have you seen this recent article on surgical simulation? 📘

A new study explores the development of a low-cost laparotomy and fascial closure simulator designed to support foundational surgical training.

The simulator was created to provide a realistic and affordable way for learners to practise key skills such as abdominal entry, fascial closure and skin closure (without the prohibitive cost often associated with synthetic models).

The study found strong support for the model’s training value, with most surgeons rating key elements such as palpation, incision and suturing as similar to living tissue, and nearly all agreeing it was acceptable for teaching laparotomy creation and closure.

Read the full article here: https://www.johs.org.uk/article/doi/10.54531/KVGU3262

⏳ FINAL CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - NHSC26

Submissions for the National Health Simulation Conference 2026 close in just 2 days.

If you’ve been meaning to submit, this is your last chance to be part of this year’s program.

We’re looking for:
✅ Real-world impact
✅ Practical insights
✅ Ideas that challenge and progress simulation practice

If your work can help others in the simulation community learn, we want to hear it.

🚨 Abstracts close 29 May 2026
📍 Gold Coast, Australia
📅 21-22 October 2026

Submit now: https://www.vicsim.org.au/events/national-health-simulation-conference-2026/