Investigating a Physiotherapy Clinical Simulation Assessment Tool Using The Delphi Approach

Authors

Anne Jones, James Cook University AustraliaFollow
Allison Mandrusiak, University of QueenslandFollow
Belinda Judd, The University of Sydney, AustraliaFollow
Christopher Gordon, The University of Sydney, AustraliaFollow
Jennifer Alison, The University of SydneyFollow

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Simulation in physiotherapy education is increasing, but a standardised assessment tool for student performance in simulation has not been developed. The Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP) is a validated tool for student performance in the clinical workplace, and has been used recently for simulation despite its relevance for this context being unknown. The purpose of the study was to gain consensus about which APP items should be included in a tool to assess physiotherapy students’ performance in simulation. The relevance of items was considered for both single patient encounters, and longitudinal (multiple) encounters. Methods: An online Delphi approach used a custom designed survey. A purposive sample of physiotherapists with simulation experience was recruited via email. Two rounds were undertaken with consensus being reached when at least 80% of the panel agreed on inclusion or exclusion of an item. Results: Twenty participants responded in the first round and fourteen in the second (70% retention). For longitudinal simulations, all APP items reached consensus in the first round. For single patient simulation encounters, consensus was not reached in the first round for the following items: commitment to learning (61%), teamwork (76%) and discharge planning (72%). In the second round, consensus for ‘teamwork’ remained the only item below eighty percent agreement (78.6%). Conclusions: The APP was deemed to be an appropriate measure for longitudinal clinical simulations, and with the exclusion of teamwork, for a single patient simulation encounter.

Author Bio(s)

Dr Jones, BSc (Physiotherapy), M Physiotherapy, PhD, is a senior lecturer at James Cook University who has extensive practical and research experience in the field of simulation and acute care/ cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy.

Dr Mandrusiak, B Physiotherapy, PhD, is a lecturer at The University of Queensland and has experience in simulated learning and clinical education in physiotherapy.

Ms Judd, BAppSc (Physiotherapy), MEd, is an Associate Lecturer in Work Integrated Learning, University of Sydney, and also a PhD candidate comparing the simulated and clinical practice environment in Physiotherapy.

Dr GordonBN, MExSc, PhD, is Senior Lecturer of Acute Care/Critical Care Nursing, University of Sydney whose research focuses on the psychophysiological stress-learning paradigm and translation of simulation-based education to clinical practice.

Dr Alison, DipPhysiotherapy, MSc, PhD is Professor of Respiratory Physiotherapy, University of Sydney and Conjoint Professor of Allied Health, Sydney Local Health District and was instrumental in establishing the Clinical Simulation Unit in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2017.1650

Recommended Citation

Jones A, Mandrusiak A, Judd B, Gordon C, Alison J. Investigating a Physiotherapy Clinical Simulation Assessment Tool Using The Delphi Approach. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2017 Jan 01;15(3), Article 3.