Key note presentation; Realistic and spontaneous simulation: innovations in nursing education.

In 2008 an innovative and unique approach to simulation using life like silicone props worn by the educator was introduced in a first year undergraduate nursing program at CQUniversity in Queensland, Australia. The intent was to bring the patient experience to novice students in the safety of the classroom. This simulation technique would prove to engage learners and prepare them for their clinical experience in a unique and creative way. Despite the fun occurring during the simulation, students would recall and reflect upon what they had learnt way after the event. The technique has now been defined, refined and articulated and is termed MASK-ED™ (KRS simulation). In essence the technique involves the educator (hidden totally behind authentic silicone props) to transform into a character with a history relevant to the learning experience. The character and the history then becomes the platform for teaching. This keynote address provided the audience with an initial exposure to the technique. The central part of the presentation focused on the history, the key concepts and the teaching pedagogy.