Using High-Fidelity Simulation to Facilitate Graduate Student Clinical Learning

Abstract

Simulation experiences offer students an opportunity to practice application of knowledge and skills in a safe, risk-free environment and to reflect on the experiences for enhanced learning. An interprofessional collaboration between speech-language pathology and nursing educators facilitated a high-fidelity mannequin simulation with 27 speech-language pathology graduate students. The clinical case evolved over four scenarios requiring a speaking valve assessment, bedside swallow exam (including oral mechanism and cranial nerve exam), and cognitive-speech-language screening in a 3-hour block of time. The focus of this article is to present an introductory template for using high-fidelity mannequin simulations with speech-language pathology graduate students and to encourage use of such methods in collaboration with nursing.