The Efficacy of Hybrid Telesimulation with Standardized Patients in Teaching Medical Students Clinical Lactation Skills: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction:

Medical students lack competencies in clinical lactation. We determined the effect of hybrid telesimulation with a standardized patient (SP) on medical students' clinical performance in lactation support. We assessed students' engagement and satisfaction with the experience.

Materials and Methods:

Undergraduate medical students (n = 13) completed (1) preparatory case scenarios with multiple-choice questions and (2) three telesimulations with SPs wearing a high-fidelity breast model. Students had the option to complete the Encounter Documentation. SPs used the Formative Assessment Rubric (FAR) to evaluate students' interpersonal skills and clinical lactation experts used the Summative Assessment Rubric to evaluate documentation skills. Investigators collected satisfaction data from a focus group and written evaluation. Dunn's multiple comparison and Freidman tests were used to measure differences in FAR scores between cases and telesimulations. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Most students (70%) attempted case questions multiple times and scores improved (p < 0.0001) between attempts. FAR scores suggest students were prepared for telesimulations (5.5/6-pt Likert) and interpersonal skills were appropriate (5.4/6), with no differences by case (p = 0.11). FAR scores increased between telesimulation 1–2 (+24.5/114, p = 0.002) and 2–3 (+17.5/114, p = 0.014). Students were satisfied with the experience and would recommend it to classmates (both 4.6/6). Thematic analysis revealed feedback regarding interpersonal skills was helpful.

Conclusions:

Medical students must develop skills to support breastfeeding in virtual settings. Telesimulation can be incorporated into existing curricula to support clinical lactation competencies.