Mr Philip Lo1, Ms Jo McKittrick McKittrick1, Ms Jen Corda1, Ms Mirna Boujaoude1, Ms Jenni Sokol1, Ms Michelle Kim1
1Royal Children's Hospital, Australia
Biography:
Phil works at the Royal Children’s Hospital- Melbourne as the Simulation Allied Health Clinical Educator and a Physiotherapist.
He also works as a veterinary Physiotherapist in his private practice.
‘Never work with animals and children’; somebody has to…
Phil was the Physiotherapy Manager in Acute and Paediatrics Northern Health and currently lectures 3rd year Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing degree elective subject at Melbourne Polytechnic/Latrobe University.
He presented nationally and internationally on the benefits of Simulation education training in multidisciplinary health teams to de-escalate aggressive behaviours in the home visit environment.
Phil is a volunteer surf lifesaver at Anglesea Beach Victoria
Abstract:
Purpose:
A simulation education program was introduced to provide paediatric physiotherapists hands on clinical and communication training utilising skills, equipment and technology to improve their ability to manage challenging and complex conditions.
Method:
Interactive skills workshops and scenarios were developed, delivered and evaluated. Skills incorporated new and existing equipment and technology to manage complex physiotherapy conditions. Scenarios using high-fidelity manikins and imbedded faculty to create immersive and realistic situations were followed by facilitator led group reflection and discussion. Content related to identification and management of challenging conditions such as cardiorespiratory, orthopaedic, neurodevelopmental and burns at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
Participants completed pre and post evaluations, including qualitative and quantitative data (open free text and 4-point Likert scale responses).
Result:
Between 2021 and 2024, 82 RCH physiotherapists attended thirteen simulation sessions.
Scenarios were based across 5 different physiotherapy modalities (non-invasive ventilation, invasive ventilation, manual hyperinflation, cough assist and manual therapy) for different acute conditions.
Regardless of the scenarios, post-evaluation results demonstrated improvement in participant confidence score in assessment, treatment, clinical reasoning, escalation of care and teamwork in recognising patient deterioration and instigating appropriate physiotherapy treatment and follow-up planning.
Conclusion:
This simulation education program assisted physiotherapists with clinical assessment, clinical reasoning, treatment and follow-up planning for complex paediatric patients in a safe and controlled environment. As a result of this successful program, it has now been embedded into ongoing RCH physiotherapy training.
Future considerations to further demonstrate effectiveness of this education program could include evaluation of clinical and communication skills retention.