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Hi, I’d like to get an insight into how HEIs facilitate and assess physical assessment skills on relevant modules. In addition to supervised practise in the clinical area, when on-campus do students practise their skills / techniques on each other, on a model, or a mannikin? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hi Deb,
Here at Swansea, students have always practiced on each other in the classroom since we started nurse practitioner education many years ago. Students expect this as they talk to each other out in practice, so when they apply for the MSc, they know what is coming. I can only recall two students who had special considerations; but they had no objections and fully took part.
Hello!
At LSBU they also practice on each other, supervised by lecturers who can answer any queries or correct any less-than-perfect techniques. Obviously, this doesn't include more intimate or invasive examinations!
HI Deb and all
Our students practice on each other, and then we have us as staff who act as patients for OSCE. Our students (after the initial shock!) are more than happy to take part, as the focus shifts to the importance of assessment very quickly. Like Nicky, we don't include intimate or invasive exams. Some OSCE's do take place in practice too. Happy to chat if you would like Deb.
How do the satff take to being patients in OSCEs? Do they have to undress to be exmained?
Staff are good at being patients - there is usually no problem with undressing but no, we don't remove underwear, although it has come close on occasion! For some OSCE's we provide a detailed brief for the 'patient' and another for the examiner to help guide.
Can I ask whether students fully undress when practicing on each other - e.g. removing bras for respiratory and cardiac auscultation?
Nope - they are warned so come prepared with sports bras for the women and the men just pull their tops off. Each bed area is screened but we had one intake who wanted no screens as they can watch each other within the practice suites as they thought that aided their learning.
Can I ask about your experience of AHP students and how they manage on the clinical skills modules? Within my profession (Therapeutic Radiography) it is not covered at undergrad level and it is a big jump for practitioners to step up to advanced assessment skills.
Hi Mel. We haven't had any radiographers although other professions have coped very well e.g. pharmacists. What I will say is that the more mature (ahem!) population of nurses have not been exposed to clinical, physical assessment during their training/ education (pre-registration and not necessarily undergrad) and so there is a huge learning curve there too. There is an onus on the students to take responsibility for learning and practice, which the majority truly engage with and it a joy to watch them gain confidence and come back with stories of how the skills are helping 'smooth' patient journeys. Happy to chat - let me know.
Hi Mel. We haven't had any radiographers although other professions have coped very well e.g. pharmacists. What I will say is that the more mature (ahem!) population of nurses have not been exposed to clinical, physical assessment during their training/ education (pre-registration and not necessarily undergrad) and so there is a huge learning curve there too. There is an onus on the students to take responsibility for learning and practice, which the majority truly engage with and it a joy to watch them gain confidence and come back with stories of how the skills are helping 'smooth' patient journeys. Happy to chat - let me know.