KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS ABOUT THE INVOLVEMENT OF STIMULATED PATIENTS IN PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINICAL ASSESSMENT AT PHYSIOTHERAPY TRAINING ASSESSMENT

Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) has emerged as an innovative teaching and assessment approach in healthcare education, bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and clinical practice. It enables physiotherapy students to develop essential clinical skills, improve communication, and enhance patient safety within a controlled learning environment. Understanding students’ perceptions and knowledge regarding the use of simulated patients is vital for optimizing educational strategies and ensuring the effective integration of SBL into physiotherapy curricula. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of physiotherapy students regarding the involvement of simulated patients in clinical assessments at physiotherapy training institutions in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a four-month period among 142 physiotherapy students from Superior University, Riphah University of Faisalabad, and Government College University, Faisalabad. Participants aged 18–27 years, enrolled in the 4th and 5th years of their programs, were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-modified, structured questionnaire comprising 27 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The mean age of participants was 23.24 ± 1.84 years, with 36 (25.4%) males and 106 (74.6%) females. Out of 142 respondents, 141 (99.3%) exhibited a favorable level of perception and knowledge regarding simulation-based learning, while 1 (0.7%) demonstrated a neutral level. The overall mean score was 112.6 ± 7.45, indicating a highly positive attitude toward the inclusion of simulated patients in physiotherapy clinical assessments. Conclusion: The findings revealed that physiotherapy students possessed a strong and favorable perception of simulation-based learning in clinical assessment, emphasizing its effectiveness in enhancing clinical competence, problem-solving ability, and patient safety.