The Role of Simulated Patient in Physiotherapy Education: A Review Article

Using simulated patients (SPs) in clinical skills education is a common method of providing training to students to hone their skills for future client encounters. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the SP strategy in physical therapy (PT) education.

 PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases were searched up to November 2019 with no language restriction. Different keywords related to the topic were selected using MeSh. Any types of quantitative study design which had used simulation-based learning in physical therapy student were eligible for inclusion. Two researchers reviewed studies and appraised them critically.

 A total of 1049 abstracts were retrieved and after reviewing the full-text paper, 11 full-text articles were included. These studies had used simulated patients for various aims including replicate different aspects of knowledge, self-perceived skills real, clinical practice, attitudes, and feasibility. Based on the result of studies, SP as an educational technique, can improve student’s clinical reasoning skills, communication, and motivation in a safe method.

The simulated patient is a useful modality to deliver learning activities in medical education and physical therapy curricula, facilitating feedback on students’ performance with opportunities to interact with realistic patients and environments.