Teaching Safe Patient Handling Skills Using a Peer Approach.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Allied Health Professions

Background:

• Safe patient handling is crucial in radiologic technology.
• Effective pedagogical approaches are needed to impart these skills.
• Peer-teaching offers a potential solution for skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate radiologic technology students' perceptions of a peer-teaching activity.
• Assess the acquisition of safe patient handling skills.
• Determine the application of these skills during clinical placements.

Main Methods:

• A peer-teaching activity was designed where physical therapy students instructed radiologic technology students.
• Anonymous online surveys were administered to 73 radiologic technology students post-activity and clinical placement.
• Data analysis focused on student experiences, skill acquisition, and skill utilization.

Main Results:

• A 46.6% survey response rate was achieved.
• All 34 participants reported positive experiences, with 33 recommending the activity.
• Students reported gaining a median of 6 skills and using a median of 2.5 skills in clinical settings.

Conclusions:

• The peer-teaching activity effectively delivered practical, safe patient handling education.
• Positive feedback may be linked to a high teacher-to-student ratio and hands-on learning.
• The activity fostered practical skills, professional behaviors, and reflection, though further research is needed on skill application gaps.