International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background:

MELISSA (Mobile Educational Learning, Improving Simulation and Safety Activities) is a mobile resource that has been designed to deliver healthcare education and training across the North East and North Cumbria. The double decker bus represents a partnership between the North East Simulation Network, I Can Prevent Delirium, Health Education North East Faculty of Patient Safety (FPS), and the Find Your Place in the North East and North Cumbria campaign. The main aim of the project is to provide equitable access to training, healthcare and wellbeing promotion for both workforces and the public. The facilities on board MELISSA include simulation equipment, a range of manikins, a bespoke audio/visual system including a separate control room, interchangeable display boards, and an expandable classroom space.

Activity:

The MELISSA project team works with multiple organisations supporting various workstreams in alignment with the FPS strategy. The scope of work includes on location training for multidisciplinary NHS staff, social care, non-professional carers [1], clinical delivery such as COVID-19 vaccination programme work [2], health and welfare checks for the homeless, healthcare conferences, career events and public engagement events supporting organisations such as Diabetes UK, Citizens Advice, and Healthworks.

Results:

From 2021 to June 2022, MELISSA supported more than 120 events, engaged with more than 15 organisations inclusive of Care Commissioning Groups, Foundation Trusts, Colleges, Councils, and Housing Associations. It facilitated delivery of 23 clinical training events and achieved over 600 clinical competency sign-offs, 10 public engagement events with 172 members of the public in attendance and providing support around health and wellbeing. The homeless welfare checks involved serious blood borne illness screening and subsequent referral to services for those individuals involved. During the pandemic, whilst training was restricted, MELISSA flexed her role to provide 68 clinics delivering over 13,750 vaccinations, including vulnerable patient groups. The flexibility of locations that MELISSA has visited included rural and remote medical centres, community hospitals, care homes, schools [3], town centres, and supermarket car parks.

Conclusion:

Through the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, MELISSA provided a significant role in the delivery of the vaccination programme, particularly to areas in the North East with reduced uptake. With restrictions easing, the number of face-to-face clinical training sessions has quadrupled and reach within our region dramatically widened. MELISSA is a well utilised resource within the region with patient safety and public wellbeing being a priority.

References

1. Gateshead. Support, advice and training for carers at Gateshead Carers Week Roadshow. Gateshead Council. https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/20931/Support-advice-and-training-for-carers-at-Gateshead-Carers-Week-Roadshow [Accessed on 30/06/2022].

2. ITV. Vaccine bus returns to South Tyneside as NHS ramps up booster jab roll out. ITV News. 2021. https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2021-12-02/vaccine-bus-returns-to-south-tyneside-as-nhs-ramps-up-booster-jab-roll-out [Accessed on 30/06/2022].

3. Sunderland and Echo. Sunderland pupils learn vital life-saving skills as NHS education bus rolls into town. https://www.sunderlandecho.com/education/pupils-learn-vital-life-saving-skills-as-nhs-education-bus-rolls-into-town-3608132 [Accessed on 30/06/2022].