Preparing Physiotherapy Students for Clinical Placement: Student Perceptions of Low-Cost Peer Simulation. A...

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Physiotherapy Training
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Simulation in healthcare education presents significant organizational and financial challenges.
• Investigating cost-effective simulation alternatives is crucial for widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess third-year undergraduate physiotherapy students' perceptions of peer simulation for clinical placement preparation.
• To determine the value and effectiveness of peer simulation as an educational strategy.

Main Methods:

• A 9-week peer simulation program involving undergraduate physiotherapy students acting as patients.
• Students completed pre- and post-program surveys evaluating skills, confidence, and clinical placement readiness.
• Qualitative responses were collected to supplement quantitative data.

Main Results:

• Peer simulation met high student expectations, significantly improving confidence, clinical reasoning, and time management.
• The program was perceived as safe, supportive, engaging, and valuable for clinical placement readiness.
• Students noted a minor lack of authenticity in peer interactions.

Conclusions:

• Peer simulation is a valuable tool for preparing physiotherapy students for clinical placements, despite minor realism limitations.
• This approach offers a viable, cost-effective alternative to standardized patient simulation.
• Further research should explore cost-effectiveness and optimal realism levels for peer simulation.