Western Sydney University has introduced Australia’s pioneering interactive 360-degree healthcare education simulator, the Blended Learning Interactive Simulation (BLIS) Suite. Situated at the Campbelltown campus, this cutting-edge facility immerses nursing and allied healthcare students in a realistic hospital emergency room scenario, enabling them to engage with patients and make critical decisions through interactive touch-screen technology.
The BLIS suite, developed in collaboration with Simovation Interactive Technologies, stands out as a premier research and educational tool globally. It offers a virtual classroom experience that mirrors real-life healthcare environments, providing a platform for students to practice treatment decision-making across various healthcare disciplines.
Professor Jane Frost, the Interim Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, emphasized the suite’s ability to offer diverse educational experiences for students in fields like nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. She highlighted that the immersive nature of the room allows learners to interact hands-on, revealing additional details by touching projections on the wall and engaging with simulated patients in real-time.
Dr. Navin Naidoo, the grant lead from the School of Health Sciences, underscored the transformative impact of this immersive technology on experiential learning, marking a significant advancement in both research and teaching capabilities. The virtual classroom’s versatility enables simulation of various healthcare settings, from hospitals and aged care facilities to scenarios like road accidents and gender-based violence, catering to the diverse needs of communities.
Moreover, the BLIS suite incorporates Zoom capabilities, extending its reach to remote participants via live streaming or recordings. This feature enhances accessibility and promotes broader engagement with the immersive learning experiences offered by the simulator.
Financed through a Pipeline Research Infrastructure grant, the BLIS Suite project at Western Sydney University represents a vital investment in unlocking new research and learning opportunities. Professor Sarah Lewis, the Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Campbelltown Campus Provost, highlighted the facility’s role in elevating the university’s global standing and its contribution to innovative research in immersive healthcare education.
Professor Lewis expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative partnerships that the BLIS suite would foster, inviting researchers and educators from around the world to join efforts in enhancing healthcare delivery through immersive learning experiences. By spearheading this initiative, Western Sydney University aims to set new standards in healthcare education and research, positioning itself as a leader on the international stage.
In conclusion, the introduction of the BLIS suite signifies a significant milestone in healthcare education and research in Australia, reflecting Western Sydney University’s commitment to innovation and excellence in preparing future healthcare professionals for diverse and challenging healthcare environments.
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