title: Video-recorded simulated patient interactions: can they help develop clinical and communication skills in today's learning environment?
abstract: It is difficult to provide real-world learning experiences for students to master clinical and communication skills. The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel instructional method using self- and peer-assessment, reflection, and technology to help students develop effective interpersonal and clinical skills. The teaching method is described by the constructivist learning theory and incorporates the use of educational technology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The learning activities were incorporated into the pre-clinical didactic curriculum. The students participated in two video-recording assignments and performed self-assessments on each and had a peer-assessment on the second video-recording.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The learning activity was evaluated through the self- and peer-assessments and an instructor-designed survey. This evaluation identified several themes related to the assignment, student performance, clinical behaviors and establishing rapport. Overall the students perceived that the learning activities assisted in the development of clinical and communication skills prior to direct patient care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of video recordings of a simulated history and examination is a unique learning activity for preclinical PT students in the development of clinical and communication skills.
authors.affiliation: Division of Physical Therapy, The Medical University of South Carolina, 151 B Rutledge Ave., MSC 965, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. seif@musc.edu
authors.forename: Gretchen A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Seif
authors.forename: Debora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010379:Peer Group; D059825:Physical Therapists / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording