One of the objectives of the RCSI School of Physiotherapy, as part of its 2021-2026 strategic plan, is to further develop simulation to enhance and expand undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Simulation-based learning (SBL) can provide a means to give students an experience that can prepare them for practice placement by providing a safe learning environment for development of clinical and communication skills. Clinical placement contributes a significant proportion of hours to the BSc. Physiotherapy programme. SBL has emerged as an essential element of education for healthcare students (1) and is routinely used by physiotherapy programmes in Australia to deliver placement hours based on evidence that SBL can effectively replace 20-25% of clinical education for physiotherapy, improves confidence and supports achievement of clinical competence.
RCSI has been leading on the use of SBL in the Irish setting. The RCSI SIM Centre for Simulation Education and Research, located onsite at the St Stephen’s Green RCSI campus is a state-of-the-art facility that aims to improve patient safety, education and research through experiential simulation-based learning techniques and tools. RCSI SIM embodies RCSI’s vision to push the boundaries of innovation to provide a next generation learning environment. In recent years, simulation has been integrated into the BSc. Physiotherapy programme across a range of modules; and RCSI were the first Irish physiotherapy programme to test SBL as a means of contributing hours to the clinical placement element (2).
This PhD will build on ongoing research being undertaken in the School of Physiotherapy to evaluate the role of simulation to enhance clinical skills required for clinical practice, and the role of simulation clinical placement for undergraduate physiotherapy students. This 4-year programme of research aims to further the evidence on the role of SBL in delivery of clinical education for physiotherapy students, in addition to the traditional physiotherapy clinical placement model.
Bogossian FE, Cant RP, Ballard EL, Cooper SJ, Levett-Jones TL, McKenna LG, et al. Locating "gold standard" evidence for simulation as a substitute for clinical practice in prelicensure health professional education: A systematic review. J Clin Nurs. 2019;28(21-22):3759-75
O’Shea O. Irish Network of Health Educators (INHED) 14th Annual Scientific Conference 10-12 March 2021. A One-Week Simulated Clinical Placement for Novice Physiotherapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study.
Entry Requirements:
Upper Second Class (2.1) honours degree (or equivalent) in a health sciences programmes (e.g. physiotherapy, psychology etc.), communication or education programmes.
Desirable Requirements:
- Interest or experience in clinical education of health science students
- Interest or experience of the use of simulation to support learning
- Excellent written and oral English.
How do I apply?
To apply, please access the following link and complete the application form in full: https://forms.office.com/r/7fJGjC4sPH
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants.
-Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
-At this stage only successful candidates will be contacted to submit, CV, transcripts and other relevant documentation.
- Only their referees will also be contacted at this stage for a reference.
Applications must include:
(i) a completed application form
(ii) English language requirements – see https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/english-language-requirements.
Deadline: All applications must be made online by 2nd September 2022 (GMT)
- Applications deadline: 5pm Friday 2nd Sept 2022
- Shortlisting date: Monday 5th September
- Interviews conducted: Week beginning 5th September 2022
It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure the application form is completed in full on time. Late and/or incomplete applications will not normally be assessed.
Further information on the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland can be found here: https://www.rcsi.com/
Continue with Facebook
