Step into the patient’s shoes – the importance of practice and simulation for health professionals, with Narelle Dalwood

Physio Foundations

This week on Physio Foundations I spoke again to Narelle Dalwood from Monash University Physiotherapy. Narelle is an APA titled neurological physiotherapist and physiotherapy educator from Monash University Physiotherapy and the leader of our simulation program. Listen to episode 19 for a summary of Narelle’s background and experience.

Narelle and I spoke about the benefits and challenges of using peer simulation to help physiotherapy students to prepare for their clinical placements. We talk about what simulation is, the benefits and challenges for students, and discuss ‘how real does it have to be?’ Hint – it can be unexpectedly realistic.

This is a discussion aimed at health professionals and health professional students. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

In this episode:

• 0:00 Welcome back Narelle
• 0:23 What is simulation?
• 1:45 Can high-quality simulation replace clinical placement?
• 2:35 Virtual reality, mannequins, simulated patients
• 4:00 Limitations of using actors and simulated patients, using peers as patients
• 5:15 Bridge the gap between campus-based learning and clinical placements
• 6:51 Stressed, nervous, anxious and unprepared to enter a clinical role – the importance of practice and simulation
• 8:39 What do students learn from simulation? What is it like for students?
• 10:24 What do students learn from being a patient?
• 10:55 Step into the patient’s shoes
• 12:35 What do clinical educators think about simulation?
• 15:37 How real does simulation have to be?
• 18:45 Physical acting – you learn so much from attempting to portray physical impairments
• 20:46 What’s next for simulation?
• 24:06 The importance of feeling prepared when you enter a clinical environment
• 25:51 More prepared students = better patient outcomes

Read more about Narelle and our simulation program: https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/narelle-dalwood

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Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.