Simulation Based Learning in Physical Therapy Education: Use of a Standardized Pre-brief

Abstract :

Purpose:
Simulation based learning (SBL) is widely used in physical therapy (PT) education; however, literature on SBL in PT is limited. To improve the learning experience, it is important to understand models of best practices, and gain insight into student perceptions of their learning.
In 2021, Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best PracticeTM were published to guide faculty in creating and delivering meaningful SBL experiences. While debriefing has been widely studied in healthcare simulation, the research on pre-briefing is lacking1. The information provided during the pre-brief is essential for student success during the experience. Additionally, formal pre-brief has been shown to balance the cognitive load of the student.2-3
The purpose of this session is to review PT student feedback on SBL experiences, and to share a standardized pre-brief, modified within three PT programs using feedback from faculty and students.
Methods/

Description:
Each of the institutions use SBL throughout their PT program in various ways. At the conclusion of each SBL experience, students complete the Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET-M) to evaluate students’ perceptions of learning in the simulated environment.4-5
Results/Outcomes:
Student feedback was used to create a standardized pre-brief. Despite the variation in each SBL at the institutions, the standardized pre-brief that was developed can be used for each experience. At each institution, 98% of participants strongly agreed or somewhat agreed that the standardized pre-brief increased their confidence and was beneficial to their learning.

Conclusions:
The use of a standardized pre-brief prepares PT students for the SBL experience and enhances confidence and learning.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: In 2021 the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy Strategic Initiative Panel on Simulation was challenged to describe models of best practices for the use of simulation in PT education, and strongly supported use of Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best PracticeTM. We each created a prepared structured prebrief in collaboration with our PT faculty, while abiding by these guidelines. We reviewed feedback using the Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET-M).