The use of simulated clients to develop the clinical skills of speech and language therapy students

This paper reports the pilot of a new technique for the development of students' clinical skills. A bank of simulated clients was used in the teaching of generic clinical skills to two groups of speech and language therapy students. The method for the training of actors and running of sessions is described in detail by use of both group and individual formats. The intervention was used with three groups of students at different points in a 2-year Masters degree course. Questionnaires to students evaluate the technique and the timing of its use in the course. It is concluded that this new type of clinical teaching is a valid and much-needed supplement to traditional individual National Health Service (NHS) placements.