Publication Title
American Physical Therapy Association, Educational Leadership Conference
Medical Subject Headings
Clinical Competence, Self-Efficacy, Clinical Decision-Making, Simulation Training, Physical Therapy Specialty, Professional Education, Cross-Sectional Studies, Students, Humans
Abstract
Background: Simulation-based learning has a significant footprint on entry-level physical therapy programs. Students’ clinical decision-making (CDM) skills development through simulation-based learning (SBL) format when compared to the Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) remains unknown. Self-efficacy of Clinical and CDM skills tool measures clinical skills, clinical decision-making, and total self-efficacy of clinical and CDM skills.2 A need to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based learning compared to ICE in development of CDM skills
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of simulation-based learning and the Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE) in the development of DPT student clinical decision-making skills as determined by:
- Total Clinical Decision Making (CDM) Clinical Skills tool scores,
- CDM (21-item) subscale scores, and
- Clinical Skills (4-item) subscale scores
Survey-based descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional design. The survey was administered before and after an 8-week simulation course, and after a 6-week Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE). Survey comprised of 36-questions on clinical decision making (CDM), clinical skills, self-efficacy, demographics, and effectiveness of simulation. Participants- 215 second year DPT students from private health science university during Fall 2021- Summer 2022 simulation–based learning course and ICE. N=79 students pre-simulation, N=73 post-simulation, and N=63 post-ICE.
Results: Clinical Decision Making (CDM) clinical skills total :
- Significant increase in score from pre-simulation (Md=94, n=79) to post-simulation (Md=103, n=73), U=4296, r=.42, p=
- No significant difference in post-simulation (Md=103, n=73) and post-ICE (Md=102, n=63), U=2326, p=.908 (Fig 1b; Table).
CDM (21-item) subscale:
- Significant increase in score from pre-simulation (Md=79, n=79) to post-simulation (Md=86, n=73), U=4257.5, r=.41, p=
- No significant difference in post-simulation (Md=86, n=73) and post-ICE (Md=85, n=63), U=2326, p=.908 (Fig 2.b; Table).
Clinical Skills subscale:
- Significant increase in score from pre-simulation (Md=16, n=79) to post-simulation (Md=17, n=73), U=4187, r=.40, p=
- No significant difference in post-simulation Md=17, n=73) and post-ICE (Md=17, n=63), U=2302, p=.991 (Fig 3.b; Table).
Discussion: Significant increases in DPT Students clinical skills, clinical decision-making, and total self-efficacy of clinical and CDM skills tool scores were found between pre-simulation and post-simulation in curriculum. No Significant differences in clinical skills, clinical decision-making, and total self-efficacy of clinical and CDM skills tool scores were found between post-simulation and post-ICE, although CDM skills continued to improve during ICE, suggesting a ceiling effect for development of CDM skills may exist. Findings suggest simulation-based learning was effective in preparing DPT students to begin their ICE with enhanced clinical skills, clinical decision-making, and self-efficacy. We recommend expanding DPT students’ simulation-based learning to optimize the development of clinical decision-making skills prior to clinical experiences.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, D. F., Demers, K., Alameri, M., & Bizama, F. (2022). Effectiveness of Simulation-based Learning compared to Integrated Clinical Experience in Development of DPT Students’ Clinical Decision-Making Skills. American Physical Therapy Association, Educational Leadership Conference Retrieved from https://soar.usa.edu/education/34
Comments
Poster presented at the 2022 American Physical Therapy Association Educational Leadership Conference, held October 28-30, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.