Evaluation of the Simulated Learning Environments Programme

Project Info

Client

  • Australian Government Department of Health

Client Type

  • Commonwealth department

Financial Year

  • 2015-16

Health Areas

  • Acute
  • Primary health
  • Workforce

Services Provided

  • Health program evaluations
  • Workforce development

Jurisdiction

  • National

The Department of Health engaged HMA to undertake an evaluation of the Simulated Learning Environments (SLE) Programme. Simulation in health and social care is defined as:

      “any educational method or experience that evokes or replicates aspects of the real world in an interactive manner.”

The objective of the project was to undertake a meta-evaluation to assess the extent to which programme aims and objectives had been met, the  effectiveness of the SLE Programme in increasing clinical training/placement capacity and identification of barriers and enablers to implementation of the programme and what improvements could be made to maximise its value.

The project involved undertaking:

  • a situation analysis of the seven program elements based on a desk top review of funding and service agreements, contracts
  • analysis of program data, including funding and acquittal reports and performance indicator reports from 76 projects
  • consultations with stakeholders including funded services, relevant program areas of jurisdictions, peak bodies of relevant workforce categories,
  • development on case studies of eight funded services
  • preparations of final report addressing the key evaluation questions.

The project commenced in April 2015 and was completed in October 2015