Audiology Students' Experiences of a Near-Peer Simulated Patient Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Audiology Training
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Traditional audiology education often relies on teacher-led instruction.
• There is a need for innovative approaches to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Online simulated patient programs offer a novel educational modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore audiology students' experiences in an online near-peer-led simulated patient program.
• To examine both learner and teacher perspectives on the program's effectiveness.
• To identify benefits and challenges of near-peer online simulations in audiology education.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed.
• Quantitative data collected via surveys from 51 participants (35 learners, 16 teachers).
• Qualitative data gathered through semistructured interviews with 14 participants (9 learners, 5 teachers).

Main Results:

• Learners (72%-100%) and teachers (88%) reported significant agreement on the benefits of peer learning and teaching.
• Key themes from interviews included improved knowledge and confidence, enhanced help and guidance, increased social proximity, and consideration of external factors.
• Near-peer learning was perceived as advantageous over traditional teacher-led methods.

Conclusions:

• The online near-peer simulation program was highly valued by both audiology learners and teachers.
• The program facilitated learning while fostering social connections and developing communication skills in a safe environment.
• Near-peer online simulations represent a promising, flexible approach to enhance audiology training programs.