Bright lights, glittering surgical tools and preparations for patients on the operating table. Everything seemed to be organized, but then the alarm sounded and everyone’s eyes immediately looked at you – what happened next was in your hands.
Fortunately, this is not a critical situation, but part of Unisa’s new perioperative escape room designed for caregivers at Adelaide Hospital.
The patient simulation was set up in a state-of-the-art operating room and tested experienced nurses in response to complex situations and respond to perioperative emergencies. Working together, participants must first effectively manage any challenges posed before they successfully “escape”.
This experience is changing nursing education, said Dr. Michelle Freeleing, a lecturer in nursing and perioperative nursing and creator of Unisa Escape Room.
“Perioperative care is a specialty that requires nurses to work with surgeons and anesthesiologists in a high-pressure environment,” said Dr. Freeling.
“However, as surgical advances continue to reshape the field, perioperative nurses need to stay ahead of the latest technologies and practices – this is where our experiences like our escape rooms can help.
“Participants will practice managing complex patient scenarios in the operating room, understanding and responding to perioperative emergencies, being cohesive with the team and maintaining contextual awareness, all of which are critical to success.
“As a hands-on, immersive activity, the escape room allows perioperative nurses to learn or perfect their expertise in a controlled but realistic environment so they can safely test their skills without risk.”
The innovative experience is also part of a new Calvary scholarship program that aims to support nurses who fulfill their UNISA Nursing Graduate Certificate, with a focus on perioperative nurses. Calvary offers 12 scholarships for nurses to take perioperative nursing courses and get more scholarship opportunities in the future.
Tanya Brooks, general manager of Calvary Adelaide Hospital, said the hospital is committed to improving perioperative nursing education and leadership.
“High-quality, safe health care is our top priority and we are committed to delivering outstanding achievements in clinical quality and patient care,” Brooks said.
“Unisa’s perioperative nursing escape room demonstrates a modern, engaging and innovative learning approach that can enhance our team’s expert perioperative skills while also developing their leadership, employee culture and people-centered care.
“By investing in the skill development and professional growth of our team, we will continue to advocate for high standards, compassionate and professional healthcare.
“The Calvary Scholarship Program reflects this commitment and our partnership with UNISA will empower our team to reach its full potential.”
The first-class scholarship recipient cohort has begun research this week.
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