Expert in my pocket: A mobile-enabled repository of learning resources for the development of clinical skills in student health professionals
Mobile communications technology can provide ’just-in-time’ support for students in the health disciplines to learn and practice specific clinical skills. This project creates a free, publicly accessible, standardised repository (website) of learning resources comprising video vignettes and supporting materials to enhance student development of psychomotor clinical skills. The resources are highly valuable to practitioners, students and educators in tertiary health disciplines.
The videos are presented from an innovative first person point of view by expert health professionals. The videos are specific to the Australian practice setting and available in a high-quality format compatible with computers and mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Quick Response codes for scanning by smart devices instantly connect the user with the required video.
Project Outcomes
- List of clinical skills in first person point of view. Provide students with an Expert in my pocket through identification and illustration of a range of clinical skills that can be presented in first person point of view and that support student and practitioner learning.
- Framework for academic and practitioner collaboration. Development of a framework that promotes collaborative, collegial and a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching basic clinical skills.
- Learning resources. Development of a collection of 30 on-line videos and other resources that present key skills fundamental to patient care in formats suitable for viewing on mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets, as well as on desktop computers.
- Dissemination. Attendance and presentation at conferences, workshops and other meetings; abstract and paper publication of project processes and outcomes; networking with industry sector.
Project Processes
- Investigation: identification of the basic skills critical for health disciplines through online survey and development of video vignettes in line with this needs analysis.
- Scripting: Development of scripts that adhere to standard practice and train educators in the ‘thinking aloud’ protocol.
- Filming: Simulation of laboratory, clinic, ad hoc locations such as farm, beach, road or remote location to develop 30 videos.
- Evaluation: Formative and summative evaluation that ensure principles and expectations are established early and monitored regularly.
- Trials: Evaluation of videos at various time points in a cross-section of health disciplines, institution types, practitioner organisations, students and educators.
Project Duration
1 year; until 01 October 2014.