Bridging theory and practice: A study of standardized and real patients in physiotherapy training

Medical education underwent a transformation throughout the 20th century, progressing from a basic apprenticeship model to integrate the acquisition of scientific fundamentals and culminating in the requirement for objective assessments of proficiency in the areas of knowledge, abilities, and conduct throughout various regions globally, reflecting a dynamic evolution in response to emerging trends and challenges within the healthcare landscape. One pivotal factor driving these transformations is a profound commitment to enhancing patient safety as a core priority in medical practice and education. Concrete and enactive experiences are believed to lead to better retention and potential behavior change for learners. Abstraction and conceptualization are crucial for learners to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for generalization and improvisation in dealing with new encounters. The level of meaningful learning for students can be influenced by their experiences. Meaningful learning, as defined by Ausubel, is deeply rooted and connected in learners' cognitive structure, unlike reproduction-oriented rote learning. Bedside instruction represents the most efficient and practical approach to acquiring proficiency in clinical skills (CSs) among undergraduate medical students. Simulation is crucial for providing top clinical skills education in medical schools. It involves learners practicing tasks in realistic scenarios with feedback from various sources, such as observers and video cameras. Different simulation modalities are utilized in clinical training. The skills employed by students in clinical practice integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience gained at the university. Simulation-based learning presents diverse clinical scenarios that vary in complexity and frequency. Such exposure allows students to evaluate intervention effects and adjust based on patient responses, reflecting actual clinical environments.