Simulated learning activities as part replacement of clinical placements in osteopathy: A case study

Abstract

Simulation has played an important role in health professional education for over 50 years but is relatively new to osteopathy. Simulation provides an opportunity to control some of the variables in clinical education such as adequate patient numbers and case mix exposure and provide a meaningful contribution to the students' clinical education. Simulation learning (SL) is a process where the learner practices a procedure or routine in a simulated learning environment. SL has recently been investigated as a valid part replacement of traditional clinical placements in physiotherapy. This case study endeavours to provide osteopathy educators with a framework to develop, implement and evaluate simulated learning in osteopathic education. This case study outlines simulated learning activities that part replaced clinical placements in osteopathy education and provides an overview of costs and resources required. Student feedback obtained throughout the project suggests structured simulated learning activities may build critical practice skills and be used as an acceptable clinical learning tool.