The NSW medical simulation centre is utilizing animated AI patients to train bush nurses for real-life emergencies. One of these AI patients is "Elizabeth, " who arrives at the hospital in extreme pain, causing nurses to work tirelessly to diagnose her condition. Though you may never meet Elizabeth, her treatment could potentially guide your own in the future. This $1. 3 million facility, known as the Centre for Rural Education, Simulation and Training (CREST) Simulation Centre, is located in Wellington, in the NSW Central West. It aims to prepare medical professionals for real-life scenarios and offers training and upskilling in a rural context. The training environment at CREST replicates rural emergency departments, wards, and residential aged care facilities, creating a realistic experience for nurses. Senior nurse educator Gabrielle Arnold highlights that the AI mannequins can generate numerous unique and lifelike simulations, often incorporating unexpected elements. "We can challenge them, " says Arnold.

"Their cognitive load can be increased, and simulations allow us to pause, reset, and retry, providing staff with repeated experiences to learn from. We then engage in thorough debriefing sessions to reflect on and analyze their actions, fostering further learning. " The training facility also boasts a 3-D printer capable of producing lifelike body parts such as hearts, lungs, and veins, enhancing nurses' understanding of human anatomy. Besides upskilling experienced nurses, CREST also offers a platform for nurses from other regions or countries to acclimatize themselves to the cultural and healthcare practices specific to the Western NSW Local Health District. Arnold explains, "It helps them understand the cultural differences out here, how Australians may utilize different terminology, and prepares them before entering their own hospitals. It provides them with a much clearer understanding and boosts their confidence. " The ultimate aim of the training program is to encourage nurses to remain in regional centers for the long term by demonstrating investment in their education and career progression. Arnold emphasizes the value of delivering courses that can be built upon, allowing nurses to continue their training and advance their expertise. By witnessing this commitment, regional nurses are more likely to be retained and are empowered to provide high-quality care to their patients.