Background: Standardised patient (SP) simulation can significantly enrich the learning environment in health professions education. Simulation in optometry has yet to be widely adopted, especially in Africa, prompting this study to investigate whether students perceived the use of SP simulation in optometry education as an effective method for enhancing the development and refinement of core competency skills.Aim: This study aimed to determine optometry students’ perceptions of simulation learning experiences with a SP.Setting: This study was done at the Department of Optometry at the University of the Free State, South AfricaMethods: A qualitative case study was undertaken. All 17 final-year optometry students (n = 17) were invited to participate. Data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire. Content analysis was used to analyse the experiences and perceptions of the participants.Results: The response rate was 100%. The students perceived that the educational objectives of the simulation experiences were successfully achieved. They felt that the simulation helped them develop core competencies like professionalism and communication while boosting their confidence. They attributed this success to the realistic, appropriate and safe learning environment that the simulation provided.Conclusion: The findings suggest that optometry students perceive SP simulations as a valuable tool in preparing them for private practice. This study highlighted the effectiveness of SP-based training in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.Contribution: This study is the first in South Africa to explore optometry students’ preparation for private practice through SP simulation. The findings offer insights that can guide other optometry programs using SPs to support students’ holistic development, enhancing their professionalism and readiness for practice.
Read full abstract