Study Protocol: MASK-ED™ (KRS Simulation) - impact on physiotherapy student performance

Purpose: MASK-ED™ (KRS Simulation) involves an educator donning a silicone mask to portray a patient character that has been specifically developed in line with learning outcomes. The effectiveness of MASK-ED ™ (KRS Simulation to prepare physiotherapy students prior to commencing work integrated learning has not been investigated. Methodology: This randomised cluster trial will investigate MASK-ED™ (KRS Simulation) in addition to usual teaching in neurological physiotherapy. Physiotherapy students in an intervention group will receive simulated learning via a MASK-ED™ (KRS Simulation) character as well as usual teaching. Students in a control group will receive usual teaching only, including role-play with peers. Consent will be concealed from the investigating team and blinded assessors will assess the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will be practical and written examination results and a satisfaction survey. Research implications: This will be the first randomised trial investigating MASK-ED™ (KRS Simulation)’s effect on students’ readiness for work integrated learning. Practical implications: The results from this study will inform physiotherapy education and curriculum development by increasing the evidence base for the use of simulation in training physiotherapy students prior to work integrated learning. Originality: MASK-ED™ (KRS Simulation) was developed in nursing education at Central Queensland University, Australia. Although it has been investigated in medical imaging, this is its first practical application within physiotherapy curricula. Limitations: It will be impractical and unfeasible to blind the participants and the investigators to tutorial group allocation and impractical for blind assessing of practical examinations.