Transferability of learning from Computed Tomography simulation into clinical practice: student perspectives

ABSTRACT

Simulation has an ever-increasing role in health professions’ education, however there is limited evidence on the transferability of learning to practice. In this study, a pragmatic approach using a convergent mixed methods design explored the use of a virtual high-fidelity Computed Tomography (CT) simulator in preparing students for clinical placement. Specifically, it aimed to describe radiography students’ perceptions of their confidence and ability to transfer their learning from a virtual CT simulator into clinical practice. Radiography students (n = 60) were surveyed on their perceptions of how using the CT simulator (5 hours) prepared them for clinical placement. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: Simulation platform, Teaching and learning activities, Confidence and Transferability. Key findings demonstrated a significant link between the students’ perceptions of their ability to transfer their learning into practice and the CT scanner platform they used on clinical placement. Students who used a CT scanner on placement that was similar to the simulator were more likely to believe their learning was transferable to practice compared with those who did not use a similar scanner on placement. However, confidence gained was not dependent on the scanner used on clinical placement. Discussion on the metacognitive processes linked to these findings are included.

KEYWORDS:

• CT
• education
• medical imaging
• simulation
• transferability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kristal Lee

Kristal Lee is a lecturer in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences at Monash University. She has worked in clinical practice and academia for over 10 years and has received the Vice-Chancellor’s award for Innovation in Education at Monash University. Kristal is now focusing her energy on education research. She is a passionate educator who works towards the betterment of healthcare education and its effectiveness in clinical practice. Her research areas of interest are Simulation, CT Education and Cultural Identity.

John McInerney

John McInerney is currently the course co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Medical Imaging and Radiation Science Honours degree at Monash University in Australia and also works as a radiographer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. John qualified as a radiographer from University College Dublin in 2000. He worked as a radiographer, PACS officer and a services manager before accepting a role as clinical tutor in a tertiary teaching centre in 2010. He has worked at Monash University as a lecturer and researcher since 2014. John is interested in developing students’ ability to become critical thinkers. He is interested in novel teaching methods. John is passionate about the role of educational research in ensuring that only those learning activities which have been proven effective will be embedded into the curriculum.