Simulation-Based Education for Allied Health Professions (Project ID SHSC0056)

Professional placements are an essential component of university-based allied health programs designed to prepare students for clinical practice (1).  Mandated by professional accreditation bodies, placements provide opportunities to develop competent health professionals (2, 3, 4).  However, clinical environments can be challenging for students as they navigate the complexities of real-world settings and transition from classroom theory to Practice (5). Health professions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and nursing have endeavoured to overcome these challenges by incorporating simulated-based learning experiences (SBLEs) into the entry-level curriculum (6).  Encompassing various technologies and modalities, SBLEs have been commonly reported to increase confidence, improve communication skills, develop reasoning and critical thinking, and facilitate readiness for professional placement. The seminal research study conducted by The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provided substantial evidence that substituting high-quality SBLEs for up to half of traditional clinical hours produces comparable end of programme educational outcomes and new graduates that are ready for clinical practice (7). In the UK, professional statutory and regulatory bodies for nursing permit replacing up to 600 (26%) of the 2300 hours of UK practice learning for SBLEs (8). Similarly, a maximum of 40 hours is permitted to SBLEs by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (9).

We are pleased to offer this opportunity for a self-funded PhD student to join our research project within the School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University. We are recruiting a PhD student (FT, but open to PT discussions) to conduct research in simulation-based education for Allied Health Professions. The PhD candidate will develop immersive, high fidelity learning experiences replicating actual patient encounters, with the aim of evaluating technological facilitated SBLEs as part of the wider programme of work.

This project would be suitable for a student with a science or health background, such as computing, Allied Health, Healthcare Science, or medicine. Applicants interested in clinical education will also enjoy this opportunity. We expect the candidate to demonstrate the willingness and potential to develop their research skills during the project.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in health science with a good fundamental knowledge of  clinical education.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

·        Experience of fundamental health background

·        Competent in planning and structuring own workload

·        Knowledge of clinical skills and simulation.

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable attributes:

Postgraduate qualification in simulation-based education.

Membership of the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH)

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘INSTITUTION WEBSITE’ LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

When applying, please quote the application reference SHSC0056  on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of

·        What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

Interviews are planned for week beginning 22nd July 2024.