title: The implementation of Mask-Ed: reflections of academic participants.
abstract: This paper profiles the findings from a study that explored the perspectives and experiences of nurse educators who implemented a novel simulation approach termed Mask-Ed. The technique involves the educator wearing a silicone mask and or body parts and transforming into a character. The premise of this approach is that the masked educator has domain specific knowledge related to the simulation scenario and can transmit this to learners in a way that is engaging, realistic, spontaneous and humanistic. Nurse educators charged with the responsibility of implementing Mask-Ed in three universities were invited to participate in the study by attending an introductory workshop, implementing the technique and then journaling their experiences, insights and perspectives over a 12 month period. The journal entries were then thematically analysed. Key themes were categorised under the headings of Preparation, Implementation and Impact; Reflexivity and Responsiveness; Student Engagement and Ownership; and Teaching and Learning. Mask-Ed is a simulation approach which allows students to interact with the 'characters' in humanistic ways that promote person-centred care and therapeutic communication. This simulation approach holds previously untapped potential for a range of learning experiences, however, to be effective, adequate resourcing, training, preparation and practice is required.
authors.affiliation: Central Queensland University, Institute for Health and Social Science Research, and School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bruce Highway, Rockhampton 4702, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: k.reid-searl@cqu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Kerry
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Reid-Searl
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Australia. Electronic address: Tracy.Levett-Jones@newcastle.edu.au.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Levett-Jones
authors.affiliation: Head of Campus, Berwick, Australia. Electronic address: simon.j.cooper@monash.edu.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.affiliation: Central Queensland University, Engaged Research Chair in Mental Health Nursing, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia; Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia; Centre for Mental Health Nursing Innovation, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia. Electronic address: b.happell@cqu.edu.au.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D016544:Patient Simulation
keywords: High fidelity simulation; Humanistic simulation; Mask-Ed simulation; Simulation