title: Developing clinical skills in paediatric dysphagia management using human patient simulation (HPS).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of simulated learning environments to develop clinical skills is gaining momentum in speech-language pathology training programs. The aim of the current study was to examine the benefits of adding Human Patient Simulation (HPS) into the university curriculum in the area of paediatric dysphagia.
  
  
  METHODS
  University students enrolled in a mandatory dysphagia course (n = 29) completed two, 2-hour HPS scenarios: (a) performing a clinical feeding assessment with a medically complex infant; and (b) conducting a clinical swallow examination (CSE) with a child with a tracheostomy. Scenarios covered technical and non-technical skills in paediatric dysphagia management. Surveys relating to students' perceived knowledge, skills, confidence and levels of anxiety were conducted: (a) pre-lectures; (b) post-lectures, but pre-HPS; and (c) post-HPS. A fourth survey was completed following clinical placements with real clients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results demonstrate significant additive value in knowledge, skills and confidence obtained through HPS. Anxiety about working clinically reduced following HPS. Students rated simulation as very useful in preparing for clinical practice. Post-clinic, students indicated that HPS was an important component in their preparation to work as a clinician.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This trial supports the benefits of incorporating HPS as part of clinical preparation for paediatric dysphagia management.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Functioning and Health Research (CFAHR), Queensland Health , Queensland , Australia.
authors.forename: Elizabeth C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: Anne E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Nund
authors.forename: Anna F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Rumbach
authors.forename: Katie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Walker-Smith
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Kris
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dodrill
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005248:Feeding Methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008348:Manikins; D018529:Nutritional Support; D010808:Physical Examination; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000066908:Simulation Training; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000193:education; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Simulated learning; clinical education; dysphagia; paediatric feeding