Hybrid Simulations in Clinical Education of Swallowing Disorders in Aging Populations
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: High-fidelity simulations are widely used in nursing education to teach clinical interventions. This study incorporates standardized patients, high-fidelity simulations, telehealth labs, and a virtual patient platform using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide consistent clinical training within the graduate curriculum. It evaluates the effectiveness of interprofessional hybrid simulation labs in developing competencies in clinical swallow evaluation, intervention, professionalism, and learners' self-confidence while working with medically complex aging populations with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).SUBJECTS: Forty-nine graduate speech-language pathology students (67% consented) participated in hybrid dysphagia simulation labs in the fall of 2024.METHODS: Students participated in three dysphagia labs: a bedside swallow exam via an AI virtual patient platform, an in-person simulated hospital room with standardized patients (SPs) acting as patients, family members, nurses, and physician assistants to discuss clinical findings and next steps, and a teletherapy session in a simulated home setting with the same SPs to administer a treatment session. The session focused on swallow safety, home remediation exercises, diet preparations and testing, and oral hygiene protocols. All labs included a debrief session with instructors and/or SPs for reflection and feedback.ANALYSES: Pre- and post-evaluation surveys assessed students' confidence, preparedness, and the effectiveness of simulation design.RESULTS: Interprofessional hybrid simulation labs led to a significant increase in students’ self-confidence and preparedness in working with medically complex aging patients with dysphagia.CONCLUSION: These simulations effectively create a realistic yet safe environment for students to collaborate with healthcare professionals, make informed clinical decisions, and deliver patient-centered care.
Hybrid Simulations in Clinical Education of Swallowing Disorders in Aging Populations
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: High-fidelity simulations are widely used in nursing education to teach clinical interventions. This study incorporates standardized patients, high-fidelity simulations, telehealth labs, and a virtual patient platform using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide consistent clinical training within the graduate curriculum. It evaluates the effectiveness of interprofessional hybrid simulation labs in developing competencies in clinical swallow evaluation, intervention, professionalism, and learners' self-confidence while working with medically complex aging populations with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).SUBJECTS: Forty-nine graduate speech-language pathology students (67% consented) participated in hybrid dysphagia simulation labs in the fall of 2024.METHODS: Students participated in three dysphagia labs: a bedside swallow exam via an AI virtual patient platform, an in-person simulated hospital room with standardized patients (SPs) acting as patients, family members, nurses, and physician assistants to discuss clinical findings and next steps, and a teletherapy session in a simulated home setting with the same SPs to administer a treatment session. The session focused on swallow safety, home remediation exercises, diet preparations and testing, and oral hygiene protocols. All labs included a debrief session with instructors and/or SPs for reflection and feedback.ANALYSES: Pre- and post-evaluation surveys assessed students' confidence, preparedness, and the effectiveness of simulation design.RESULTS: Interprofessional hybrid simulation labs led to a significant increase in students’ self-confidence and preparedness in working with medically complex aging patients with dysphagia.CONCLUSION: These simulations effectively create a realistic yet safe environment for students to collaborate with healthcare professionals, make informed clinical decisions, and deliver patient-centered care.