Mobile skills unit
Frequently Asked Questions (scroll down for answers)
What equipment is there on the unit?
How do I book the unit?
How much does it cost?
Do people need their own PCs/Laptops?
Is there web access on the unit?
Does it come with trainers?
I’ve used simulation before, but have never been on a course to learn best practice in using simulation for education, is there a course I could go on?
Does someone come with the unit?
Who looks after the unit at each venue?
Who arranges the sessions on the unit?
How can I book onto a training/education session on the unit?
How long can we have the unit for?
How is the unit being evaluated?
Can it be used for public education?
Is it accessible for people with limited mobility?
Does every piece of equipment stay onboard the unit or do we need to request certain items depending on our education sessions?
If you have any other questions, please email Sarah Race at s.l.race@dundee.ac.uk who will be happy to help.
What equipment is there on the unit?
We have a full range of equipment onboard the unit, which is detailed in our Equipment Guide. It includes full details on each piece of equipment and the procedures that can be performed. You can download a copy of the Equipment Guide or request a hard copy by emailing Sarah Race on s.l.race@dundee.ac.uk
How do I book the unit?
You can request a visit from the Mobile Unit to your area by completing and returning the request form, which is available to download from our website in the download section or from the CS MEN Office. Once your request has been received, we will contact you to discuss. Please be aware that it may not be possible to fulfil all requests.
How much does it cost?
NHS Education for Scotland have funded the build and transportation of the unit for a two-year (2009/10) pilot period to allow full evaluation of the educational potential for such a unit in the longer term and to determine the optimal use of the mobile unit. We are suggesting that Hospitals/Practices charge £10 per person per course initially, to cover costs of consumable items and so that professionals understand there will be charges in the future.
Do people need their own PCs/Laptops?
No, unless they want to use a Mac. There is one PC and one laptop onboard the Mobile Unit in the control room. The laptop controls the simulation equipment (SimMan and SimBaby) and the PC is connected to a large plasma screen and has a variety of software packages including the Microsoft Office suite. There are 2 USB ports for memory sticks on the side of the PC screen.
Is there web access on the unit?
Not for general use. There is mobile broadband but it isn’t reliable so is only used to update the anti-virus software.
Does it come with trainers?
No. The Host/Venue is responsible for providing the trainers for the educational sessions they wish to schedule. All nominated trainers should complete our Mobile Skills Unit Simulation Training Course at Stirling Simulation Centre (details below) before they perform sessions onboard the unit. We require at least two professionals from each venue to complete the training before they receive the unit.
I’ve used simulation before, but have never been on a course to learn best practice in using simulation for education, is there a course I could go on?
Yes. The Scottish Simulation Centre at Larbert offers a Mobile Skills Unit Simulation Training Course. There are courses offered throughout the year, with the next courses scheduled for 13th and 14th September and 4th and 5th November 2010. If you would like to register for one of these course or receive further information, please contact Sarah Race at the CS MEN Office on 01382 740220 or email on s.l.race@dundee.ac.uk
Does someone come with the unit? Who looks after the unit at each venue?
No-one comes with the Mobile Unit; it is the responsibility of the Host/Venue to take care of the Unit during the visit. We have an experienced driver who will deliver and set up the Mobile Unit including connecting the power supply; after this is completed he will then hand over the keys to a nominated host at the venue who will take responsibility during the visit. This includes setting up/packing away all the equipment required each day and general cleaning.
Who arranges the sessions on the unit?
A small team of professionals at the venue will be responsible for coordinating the sessions onboard the unit as a direct response to their educational requirements. The CS MEN Office assists by providing skills packs and information regarding the equipment.
How can I book onto a training/education session on the unit?
You will be able to book an education session with the team responsible for coordinating the visit to your area. Please contact the CS MEN Office if you are unsure who to contact and we will assist you.
How long can we have the unit for?
This can be discussed once we have received your request, but we have been scheduling most visits for two weeks in one location as this has proved to be the optimal length of visit.
How is the unit being evaluated?
Initially, we are asking every professional who takes part in an educational session to complete an evaluation form which includes your thoughts on the Mobile Unit, on the sessions you attended and your trainers. We use this feedback to assess if the Mobile Unit has been successful in meeting your educational needs. We are also being evaluated on the number of Remote and Rural areas visited and number of professionals who have taken part in educational sessions.
In the longer term, we hope to evaluate the impact the unit makes on people’s practice, though this is notoriously difficult to measure!
Can it be used for public education?
Yes, and it’s equipped with all that’s needed to run Heartstart courses.
Is it accessible for people with limited mobility?
Yes, there is a Passenger Access Lift suitable for wheelchair access. Please contact Sarah Race at s.l.race@dundee.ac.uk to discuss any particular requirements.
Does every piece of equipment stay onboard the unit or do we need to request certain items depending on our education sessions?
Every piece of equipment you see listed in our Equipment Guide remains onboard the unit; therefore there is no requirement to request particular items. A detailed guide of how to find each piece of equipment is also onboard.
