Multimedia

Self evaluation of ‘student therapist’ using video

Developed by: 
Dr Tania Pizzari
Institution: 
La Trobe University
Teaching and Learning Strategy: 

Each student is required to work with two other students and make a video of themselves performing three physiotherapy assessment and treatment techniques taught in the first semester. One student acts as the patient, while the other student controls the video camera and also critiques the "student therapist" using the assessment sheet utilized during practical examinations of this subject.
 
Once the video is complete the "student therapist" is required to watch the video and complete a self-evaluation of their performance using the assessment sheets.
At least one week later the video process is repeated. The same or different techniques are chosen to be performed. The student therapist self-evaluates the performance on the second video and receives a written evaluation from the observing student.
 
The student is then required to compile a report based on the observing students critique and their self-evaluation of both video sessions. The report briefly summarises each technique, provides an in-depth critical appraisal of their performance, discusses what was done well and what needs improvement, compares the observation between the student observer and their own self-evaluation and includes a section about changes over time (from video one to video two).

Course Name: 
The practice is used in a subject called Physiotherapy Skills A (PTY11PSA).
Year Level: 
First Year
Expected Outcomes: 
  • To develop an appreciation of current level of skill when performing various physiotherapy assessment and treatment technique
  • To be able to accurately reflect on their performance of techniques and understand the potential implications of their performance on the patient
  • To be able to identify deficits in performance and prompt improvements in performance during the second video
  • To become familiar with the marking criteria used for assessment in the subject
     
Effective Aspects: 

The use of a video camera to tape the performance ensures that the student experiences the pressure associated with appearing on camera, prior to experiencing the pressures associated with practical exams.
 
The need to perform a variety of techniques in their entirety, with no assistance from notes and in front of two peers and a video camera makes students realise any potential deficits in their learning.
Critical analysis of performance included in the report ensures that the student must understand the implications of their performance (good or bad) for the patient. The theory of assessment and treatment techniques needs to be understood.

Evaluation: 

All assignments are handed in and marked, contributing 10% of the mark for this subject.
 
The practice is also evaluated on Quality Assessment forms filled out by students regarding this subject.

Evaluation Outcomes: 

The practice continually receives positive feedback from students regarding the usefulness of the assignment in showing them deficits in their knowledge and practical skills. Students comment on the pressure of performing the technique under such conditions with no assistance from peers or notes. They comment that it makes them realise how much they have to know and how much more they have to practice to be independent with techniques.

Plans for Changes/Developments in Future: 

No

For Further Details
Contact Name: 
Dr Tania Pizzari
Contact Faculty/School: 
School of Physiotherapy
Contact Institution: 
La Trobe University
Contact Link: 
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/physiotherapy/

Guide book and DVD prepared by 4th years to prepare 3rd years for spinal injury placement

Developed by: 
Sonia Denisenko
Institution: 
La Trobe University
Teaching and Learning Strategy: 

The DVD resource "Introduction to the Management of Spinal Patients" was created as part of a 4th year student elective project in conjunction with the Victorian Spinal Cord Service- Austin Hospital (VSCS). Preclinical students attend a site visit to the Service as a compulsory component of PTY31NEU, where they receive a tutorial and then perform supervised assessments of clients with spinal cord injury. A 4th year elective project was designed where a student on clinical placement at VSCS developed an educational video to precede the 3rd year students' site visit. The content of the video was reviewed both by the clinicians on site and myself prior to filming and editing to ensure that the aims and objectives of the production were compatible with the needs of the both parties and would be consistent with the content of the curriculum. This video was incorporated into the PTY31NEU curriculum in semester 1, 2004.

Course Name: 
PTY31NEU Neurological Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
Year Level: 
Third Year
Expected Outcomes: 

The purpose of this video is to introduce preclinical students to the physiotherapy management of clients with Spinal Cord Injury, via a multimedia production with incorporated discussion and self learning points.
Following viewing of the video, and completion of the associated self learning guide students should be able to:

  • Define the basic principles of assessing a patient with a spinal cord injury, at an impairment and activity level.
  • Discuss the mobility limitations of spinal patients and how this will affect transferring patients: according to the level of their spinal injury.
  • Determine the safest and most effective way of transferring patients from their wheelchair to plinth, using a hoist or assisted transfer.
  • Demonstrate wheelchair safety in transfers.
  • Discuss the general principles and demonstrate appropriate techniques to stretch a patient with a spinal cord lesion. Describe the evidence and current research behind the benefits and effectiveness of stretching SCI patients.
  • Explain the principles of safe and energy efficient bed mobility techniques including rolling, propping and sitting up a SCI patient on the plinth.
  • Describe the importance of tenodesis grasp in spinal cord lesion patients, and how this is used in functional activities.
  • Identify the general setup of a wheelchair and the importance of how to achieve correct posture in a wheelchair.
  • Explain the causes of skin complications associated with SCI patient and the management of these.
Effective Aspects: 

The project was developed in response to reports from clinicians that students were poorly prepared for their clinical visit in the area of spinal cord injuries. The video production was a response to an identified area of weakness in the curriculum.
The script and filming of the video was completed by a 4th year physiotherapy student who was completing a clinical elective in Spinal Cord injuries. This meant that the video production served purposes as both an educational experience for the student which was a component of their clinical assessment, and also was an opportunity to develop the resource which neither the clinicians nor the university had time to do.
The student developed the production with their own learning experience and knowledge gaps in mind. The video objectives and script were then reviewed by both the clinicians and LTU lecturers prior to filming and editing. This ensured that the aims and objectives of the production were compatible with the needs of all parties and would be consistent with the content of the curriculum.

Evaluation: 

The video has not been formally evaluated.
Informal reports from clinicians regarding the 3rd year student performance this year was improved compared to previous years.

Evaluation Outcomes: 

n/a

Plans for Changes/Developments in Future: 

The template of the video script will be developed for use on future video productions. There are several areas of the curriculum in this subject that would benefit from a resource such as this.
In future productions the accompanying self learning guide will be more extensive and incorporate more independent reading and critique of the current evidence base, not just viewing the video.

For Further Details
Contact Name: 
Sonia Denisenko
Contact Faculty/School: 
School of Physiotherapy
Contact Institution: 
La Trobe University
Contact Link: 
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/physiotherapy/