Developing clinical skills in paediatric dysphagia management using human patient simulation (HPS)

Guest Editor: David Trembath

Abstract

Purpose: 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.

Method: 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.

Result: 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.

Conclusion: This trial supports the benefits of incorporating HPS as part of clinical preparation for paediatric dysphagia management.

Keywords::

• Simulated learning
• dysphagia
• paediatric feeding
• clinical education

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the participants in this research and the project assistance of Dr Monique Waite and Laurelie Wall. This work was supported by the “Simulated Learning in Paediatric Allied Health (SLIPAH)” project, funded through Health Workforce Australia (FA-2013-044). Thickened fluids were donated by Flavour Creations (http://www.flavourcreations.com.au)

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for content and writing of paper.

Supplementary material available online

Supplementary Appendix A and B to be found online at http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/17549507.2015.1025846.