Improving dental student confidence through the use of simulated patient cases

Marsden, Jonathan E ORCID: 0000-0001-6460-6093, Deboo, Stephen P ORCID: 0000-0002-2230-3681, Cripps, Matt, Longridge, Nicholas N ORCID: 0000-0002-9101-2378, Aspden, Michael ORCID: 0000-0001-5518-8918 and Fox, Kathryn (2022) Improving dental student confidence through the use of simulated patient cases. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION.

Access the full-text of this item by clicking on the Open Access link.

Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/eje.12867

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>This study investigates whether student confidence could be improved through the use of simulated patient case-based scenarios.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>Students in their 4th and 5th year of undergraduate study completed an online e-portfolio workbook consisting of activities related to five simulated patient cases. Following completion of the relevant learning activities within the e-portfolio, students then viewed a tutor case presentation video and attended simulated clinic sessions to complete corresponding exercises involving 3D-printed teeth related to the case. Subsequently, students undertook online self-reflection and goal-setting activities to aid their development. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all participants to gain insight into the themes of student confidence and learning support. The Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was calculated for both sections of the student questionnaire. The values for "student confidence" and "learning support" were α = 0.91 and α = 0.87, respectively.<h4>Results</h4>There was a total of 89 valid student responses to the questionnaire (65%). A Spearman's correlation of r<sub>s</sub> = 0.50 (p < .001) suggests a tentative causative correlation between the learning support offered through the simulated patient cases and student confidence. There was a positive directional relationship between engagement with the learning support of the simulated patient cases and student confidence scores.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Student confidence increased following the completion of simulated patient cases and students found the learning support offered beneficial to their development. This learning intervention has the potential to improve student self-efficacy, develop contextual competency and facilitate reflective practice. Simulated patient cases may be a useful precursor or adjunct to traditional patient clinics.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	case-based learning, e-portfolio, reflection, simulation, student confidence
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Life Courses and Medical Sciences > School of Dentistry
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Dec 2022 11:52
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 19:41
DOI:	10.1111/eje.12867
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1111/eje.12867
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3166489