By Prabha Bohara, Graduate Health Promotion Officer and Carla Yeung, Communications and Engagement Officer
The AUSMAT Team Member (TM) course has recently undergone a significant transformation in its training format, moving from a one-week in-person program to a comprehensive six-week online course which includes the face-to-face one-week residency. The course aims to prepare participants for the diverse challenges they may face during an AUSMAT deployment. Successful completion of the AUSMAT TM course is an essential component of preparation for deployment, ensuring that team members are well-equipped to handle health emergencies effectively.
The decision to change the format of the AUSMAT TM course to a blended learning model was driven by the desire to enhance the learning experience and retention of crucial information. Abi Trewin, Director of Education at the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) said,
Leadership is about listening, learning, and lifting others up
A key component of the new format is the introduction of a mentor program. Experienced AUSMAT members were selected to mentor participants based on their expertise, with pairings generally skill-based to ensure professional similarities. Mentorship played a crucial role in the online portion of the training, where mentors provided guidance, support, and shared their deployment experiences. This mentorship continued during the in-person training component, allowing participants to check in with their mentors, receive immediate feedback, and further apply their learning. Abi explained,
One of the challenges on deployment is that team members don't necessarily know each other as they come from all over Australia, The mentoring component of the course not only allowed participants to learn from mentors who can share their previous deployment experiences, but it also gave them an opportunity to get to know potential future teammates. This helps build a sense of camaraderie and trust before they even step into the field.
One of the key innovations in the new training format is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create engaging and realistic case studies. These AI-generated scenarios provide a first-person narrative, making the learning experience more immersive. "We used AI characters to tell the story, enhancing the realism and engagement of the case studies," Abi explained.
The extended online training has had a positive impact on participants' retention and understanding of the course material. The blended learning model allows for more time to apply and practice skills during the in-person component. "Participants had time to work their way through each subject matter online, and then they get to apply it in the field during the in-person training week," Abi explained. "The ability to apply and reapply training has led to increased confidence levels."
The new training format has introduced additional components such as public health assessments, gender-based violence awareness, and an increased focus on vulnerable populations. These additions have better prepared for the diverse challenges they may face on deployment. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the structured support and comprehensive training they received.
The NCCTRC is committed to continuous improvement and plans to further evolve the training format based on feedback and the outcomes of each session.
We're constantly making changes to enhance the learning experience. Our goal is to provide the best possible preparation for AUSMAT members, ensuring they are confident and capable in their roles.
The shift to a blended learning model for AUSMAT training marks a significant step forward in leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods to improve the preparedness and effectiveness of emergency medical teams.
Prabha Bohara
Graduate Health Promotions Officer
Prabha assists in developing and implementing health promotion and communication activities at NCCTRC. She is involved in developing a variety of health promotion projects, collaborating with project teams across NCCTRC to create engaging content that supports agency activities. Prabha engages various media platforms to promote NCCTRC’s health messages and services, and undertakes special projects related to disaster and emergency response.
Carla Yeung
Communications and Digital Engagement Officer
Supporting digital content creation, social media coverage and brand management, Carla is passionate about effective communication and digital outreach. With a background in social media, communications and community engagement roles, Carla combines her diverse experiences to create engaging content, leveraging online platforms to connect, inform, and engage with the public.
