Clinical Skills Development Service

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2023

As we near the end of this challenging year for healthcare and education, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of the successes we’ve achieved together.

We are proud to support a network of over 130 simulation sites ranging from single-bed bays to multi-centre simulation services across Queensland. In 2022, we supported the delivery of over 4,600 simulation events (which equates to over 55,000 education hours); using nearly 3,500 pieces of equipment. This could not be achieved without the hard work of our Equipment and Facilities Team, who completed over 6,600 hours of repairs and service and shipped over 1,700 packages through over 800 deliveries.

With the easing of travel restrictions, we were able to visit over 25 Pocket Centres and welcome two new sites – Dalby Hospital and Capricornia Correctional Centre.

This year, we supported the State’s simulation educators by completing 141 sessions of Technical Skills Training (TST), 147 sessions of Fundamentals of Debriefing (FoD) and 34 sessions of Simulation Education Event Design (SEED). These courses have been developed to support the safe use of equipment and the effective delivery of simulation-based education.

Despite having to cancel many of our scheduled education events, we still delivered over 290 face-to-face courses at CSDS to over 2,300 participants.

Our Online Learning team launched 19 new courses, including Intradermal Vaccination for Monkeypox (MPX), Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS), Operating Theatre Protocols (OTP), and Infection Control Awareness (ICAO). The quality of online learning continues to improve, and we have created a showcase of the great work by the online learning team. Have a look and let us know what you think.

We developed and launched two virtual courses– FoD and SEED; supported UQ medical students in the development of surgical kidney trainers in collaboration with Herston Biofabrication Institute; provided moulage support for the Brisbane Airport Corporation mass casualty training exercise; and engaged with the Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment project and Retrieval Services Queensland to undertake process testing ahead of 2023 commissioning scenarios.

Our research team has grown with the creation of a Manager, Research role and the successful appointment of two Senior Research Fellows. These roles will support our ongoing strategy and commitment to embedding evidence-based practice in everything we do. Our Manager, Research provided Human Factors advice on the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation suite of algorithms; Paediatric IV Fluid Prescription chart; informed consent in maternity and many more.

In 2023, we are launching some exciting new programs:

  • Warm water for labour and birth
  • Expansion of the Queensland Trauma Education program
  • Expansion of our resuscitation suite of courses
  • Systems testing
  • Safety and Quality Education Program
  • Neonatal Stabilisation online learning
  • Chemical of Concern
  • PAPR Fit Testing
  • Intravenous Iron Infusion

None of these successes would have been possible without the hard work and support of the Queensland simulation community, the CSDS staff, faculty, partners, clients, and participants.

As the holiday season approaches, we wanted to let you know the CSDS team will take a well-deserved break. Our offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and will re-open on Monday, January 9th, 2023.

On behalf of the entire team at CSDS, we wish you a safe and merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023.

Luke Wainwright
A/Nursing Director, CSDS