Using Mask Ed KRS Simulation

I attended training to become authorised to use this simulation technique in July this year. I was inspired to do so after 2 of my colleagues started to use this in their teaching and and I was able to see the benefits of this kind of simulation technique.

MASK-ED™ (KRS simulation) involves the use of silicone props, including masks, torsos, hands and feet in an innovative high fidelity simulation technique . The props are worn over the informed educator to mask them. The hidden educator then transforms into a character/ person with a history/story which is relevant to the learning experience. KRS stands for knowledgeable, realistic and spontaneous simulation.

It was with some trepidation that I entered the training room. Was I going to have the ability to transform myself into a character to be used in teaching and learning by donning a mask? Kerry is a great teacher and has a wonderful method of instruction.By the end of day 2 I had my Character Julie complete with a rich medical history, with a platform for education. My aim was to use this character in various scenarios in my L&D Unit.

Julie has had here first outing on a day entitled " Re-Thinking Ethics" and together with 2 confederates she address a group of over 80 professionals on feelings of vulnerability. It was well received and evaluation has been positive.

Since that day I have moved jobs but still intend on keeping "Julie" as a valuable teaching accomplice. She will be assisting in the delivery of training across all disciplines aimed at improving the patient experience. She will modify her reason to be there according to the group demographic.

With much thanks to Kerry ( Mask Ed) and to "Julie" I have discovered that I am a teacher who enjoys the storytelling strategy to teach. Always done it never realised it !

                                              "Julie" and " Bertie" during Mask Ed training

An article  entitled:  

Who is that masked educator? Deconstructing the teaching and learning processes of

an innovative humanistic simulation technique. ByMargaret McAllister, Kerry Reid Searl , Susan Davis ,published in Nurse Education Today.
The article goes into more of the teory of why Mask Ed actually works, including

the fact that at the end of simulations students are: a) thinking of patients as whole people with life stories, emotional drives, unique attributes; b) thinking of nursing,  and c) thinking of nursing objectives not as a task completion but as patient satisfaction and safety.

Crossing Boundries-Simhealth Conference 2013

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend this conference last month thanks to sponsorship from the ACT Region ITCN- http://actregionictn.org/sle/

It was a wonderful 3 days of meeting new people and hearing new ideas in the world of healthcare simulation, as well as getting to know some of my other colleagues in the ACT who have similar interest in simulation.The 3 days were packed full of inspirational speakers,as well as companies with relevant products to assist in the activities we could think of.

I will go into more detail in my portfolio about specific sessions but the 3 top points I will take from this conference

• I need to broaden my own view and definition of what is  in fact a simulation activity.Whilst I have a passion for Mask ed and simulated patients as well as a fear of the technological I became aware that even a video of a situation reenacted can in fact be classified as simulation if used in the appropriate way. I noted other at the conference also question this.
• In order to advance the use of simulation in the institution it is key to get key in from senior members within the organisation. If the simulation can be linked to patient safety even better.
• "Measure something!" To truly advance in the practice of medical simulation we need to measure something-anything, with will aid in the buy in from executive and also could lead to the possibility of eventually adding to the evidence base  within simulation literature.