MED-E-SIM: Inspiring Healthcare Career through Simulated Learning in Australian Senior Secondary School Students

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies have demonstrated that a motivational programme can have positive effects in inspiring secondary school students in pursuing a career in health. However, majority of studies were conducted in the United States and were delivered in the multiple sessions and attendances format. MED-E-SIM is a one-day educational pilot programme designed for Australian secondary school students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

Method

MED-E-SIM's aim is to increase participants' interest and certainty in pursuing the healthcare professions through participation in mannequin-based simulated clinical exercises, procedural workshops using part-task simulation trainers, and active engagement in an ‘ask the expert’ style masterclass hosted by healthcare clinicians. In order to evaluate the impact of MED-E-SIM, 66 senior secondary school students who participated in the programme were invited to complete the post programme evaluation survey.

Results

We observed increases in both students' self-perceived understanding of health profession and knowledge about Basic Life Support after the participation in MED-E-SIM programme. Furthermore, our study also showed that MED-E-SIM programme participation could help improve participants’ decision in pursuing future career in health (P < 0.001).

Discussion

Implementing programmes like MED-E-SIM can be a feasible strategy to help increase awareness and interest of pursuit in health-related career amongst our younger generation.