“ It is challenging but also really stimulating work.”
I have a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Law from Monash University and am currently a policy adviser with the Service and Workforce Planning Branch in the Department of Human Services.
We focus on policy and programs that aim to ensure there is an adequate supply and distribution of appropriately skilled health professionals in Victoria. The role involves project and contract management, research and analysis, policy development and undertaking requests for quote/submission/tender processes.
One of my interesting projects has involved providing opportunities for health professionals to develop their clinical skills through the use of simulation-based technology. This project has come about due to increased numbers of undergraduate students and big changes in the health sector: as patients are moving more quickly through the health system there are less opportunities for students and professionals to acquire skills through practicing on real patients.
The first stage of the project focused on providing clinical skills equipment to hospitals, such as sophisticated manikins that can be pre-programmed to mimic human responses. The second stage involves delivering training to clinical educators in hospitals to ensure they can optimally use the equipment. We also plan to commission research into the effectiveness of simulation training. In the future we may look at developing standardised training programs to teach a range of clinical skills.
The project has been challenging on a number of fronts. There has been the need to develop the knowledge base in order to formulate the policy - medical terminology, clinical procedures and the technology and operation of the sophisticated clinical skills equipment. There has also been difficulty in defining the core clinical skills required of health professionals, as there is no universally agreed standard or skills set for each health discipline.
Hospitals and health professionals have also had varying levels of exposure to simulation-based technology. Therefore, the policy we develop needs to take this into account. It is challenging but also really stimulating work as we attempt to develop policy that ensures accessibility and input from all the players and is the most effective use of resources and existing networks.