O. O'Shea1, H. Heery1, L. Keating1, H. French1, F. Horgan1, A. Malone1, F. Daly1, A. Stephenson1, P. O'Gorman1, S. McDonough1
1Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Physiotherapy, Dublin, Ireland
Background: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, physiotherapy clinical placements were suspended in Ireland from March 12th. First year physiotherapy students at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) were unable to complete their introductory placement, herein referred to as CP1. Progression to second year is contingent on passing of CP1. The regulatory body stated that for course providers to meet the clinical requirements for students, it was acceptable to depart from established procedures. Simulated clinical placement is an evidence based physiotherapy training practice.
Purpose: To explore the effectiveness of a one-week simulated CP1 on novice physiotherapy students’ confidence and perceived preparedness for clinical placement.
Methods: A simulated placement was designed by the physiotherapy team at RCSI. Clinical scenarios were developed incorporating both high and low fidelity simulation to enable students to achieve the CP1 learning outcomes. Each session included student-led consultations in different clinical areas, peer observation and a clinician-facilitated group debrief. A simulation specific workbook was developed for the students that included templates for clinical documentation, peer observation and reflection. The completed workbook and recorded consultations informed the individualised student feedback. N=30 students were invited to participate. Baseline and post-simulation confidence was assessed using a self-report questionnaire (Blackford et. al 2015). A modified Canadian Placement evaluation tool was used to assess the quality of this placement. Three focus groups were conducted with a random sample of n=14 participants. The focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarkes thematic analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS, a paired sample t-test was used to compare baseline and post-confidence data. All data were collected by postdoctoral researchers not known to the students.
Results: N=29 participants were included in this study; 8 male. There was a statistically significant improvement in student confidence. Baseline mean (standard deviation(SD)): 35.5(6.4) and post confidence data: 40.8(9.8), p-value:0.04. All students strongly agreed or agreed that overall, the placement provided the learning experience required to develop competency in the area of practice, appropriate to their clinical level. Four key themes were identified: (1)Valuable learning experience, (2) Areas for improvement, (3) Increased use of simulation in the physiotherapy programme and (4) CP1 learning outcomes.
Conclusion(s): All students achieved the CP1 learning outcomes. The simulated placement environment improved students’ confidence in professional and clinical skills. Simulation was considered a valuable and enjoyable learning experience by students. Key areas for improvement include more time to prepare and a stronger focus on documentation. We were unable to fully determine students’ preparedness for clinical placement.
Implications: The simulated placement resources generated by the physiotherapy team have been complied into a repository for future use. Future work is required to determine where simulation fits within physiotherapy training in Ireland and to validate a tool to evaluate students’ preparedness for clinical placement.
Funding, acknowledgements: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Physiotherapy
Keywords: physiotherapy, clinical education, simulation
Topic: Education: clinical
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Committee: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Ethics number: REC202008004
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
