Status of virtual teaching in clinical education of rehabilitation fields: A narrative review

The rapid advances in technology has greatly influenced the clinical education of medical students. Using distance learning methods including e-learning, simulated learning environment, mobile learning, etc., has introduced a new educational method known as "Blended Learning". It benefits from both face-to-face and e-learning conditions. The purpose of this study is to review studies which have assessed virtual teaching in clinical education of rehabilitation fields. This narrative review was conducted, using the keywords related to virtual teaching in clinical education of rehabilitation fields. Studies published in English journals were searched in scientific databases of Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, from 2000 to 2020. The articles not consistent with the purpose of study and publications in form of case report, pilot study, or letter to editor were excluded. Out of the 227 searched articles, 25 were selected which addressed distance learning in clinical education of rehabilitation students. In this study, 25 interventional, review and descriptive studies were reviewed. The result of the articles showed the use of e-learning, mobile learning, online learning, simulated learning environment, and blended learning have positive results in improving the clinical competency of rehabilitation students. Virtual teaching as a complementary to face-to-face learning strategy can play a role in the development of clinical education. Although it is not recommended to replace traditional education with virtual learning, it seems that blended learning with a fundamental overhaul of the structure and method of learning is an effective way to improve the clinical education of rehabilitation students.