BioSkills SA

BioSkills SA is a clinical simulation facility located in the Ray Last Laboratories in the School of Medical Sciences. Its purpose is to provide cutting-edge clinical education and training for both undergraduate and postgraduate medical, nursing and allied healthcare providers, integrating many teaching techniques and utilizing a wide range of state-of-the-art simulation technologies. 

These include 'human patient' manikins, such as the SimManR, that are remotely controlled and allow for simulating high fidelity clinical scenarios, where participants become immersed in environments very similar or identical to those faced in real clinical settings.  The SimMan can talk and make a variety of sounds, as well as provide many physiological signs and responses, such as changes in breathing, blood pressure, pulse, and airway control.  Both common and rare or unusual emergencies can thus be simulated to allow practice of holistic patient management by participants in a safe, risk-free setting where mistakes can be made and honing of both technical and non-technical skills, such as communication, teamwork and leadership are encouraged. All scenarios can be recorded for confidential playback during debriefing sessions.

A range of procedural skills trainers, including those simulating head, throat, chest, pelvis and arm, allow the practice of individual and often highly specialized clinical skills prior to participants are exposed to real life patients.

The open-planning, with mobile walls and modular equipment, allows for a broad array of teaching styles and techniques to be employed in small, medium and large group settings.  The area can be converted into a lecture theatre, while screens throughout the facility ensure all participants can visualise activities (both in-house and remotely), teleconferences and recorded videos.