The Problem

The one-way transfer of knowledge as traditionally provided by the Sage on the Stage …. did not necessarily improve during this Pandemic by the Well-intentioned professor on Zoom! (Speaking about myself and probably many others!)

This year many colleagues and I yearned for short interactive experiences that either allowed for application and interpretation of knowledge or knowledge checks that could be easily deployed, graded, and were carefully targeted to specific learning objectives.

The Answer

MiniSIMS: Short patient-based scenarios designed to help students apply and interpret learned knowledge in a simulated clinical environment. Typically 5-10 minutes long, and multiple-choice, matching-based items.

MicroLearning: Simple, short, and easily deployed. These mini-assessments help the students draw on the knowledge they have acquired and can be used as quizzes or exam preparation

An example of a MiniSIMS: Neuro MiniSIMS (on real patients)

Screen Shot 2021-07-28 at 3.20.37 PM.png

Timed Up and Go (Click here to try a Neuor MiniSIM)
BERG balance test
MOCHA
Spasticity assessment
Rigidity assessment
Coordination Testing (dysmetria/dysdiadokokinesia)
Modified Ashworth Scale
Romberg and Sharpened Romberg
Five times sit to stand
10-meter walk test
6-minute walk test

An example of a MicroLearning: Acute Care MicroLearning

Screen Shot 2021-07-28 at 3.19.30 PM.png

In 2020, PhysioU provided free access to all of it’s learning apps to support students and educators across the globe during the pandemic. We appreciate all the feedback and kind words of support!

One thing we as educators missed the most, was creating experiences that helped students apply their knowledge, develop clinical reasoning, and experience real-life clinical scenarios.

In a 5 part mini-series, “PhysioU- Interactive learning”: we will share glimpses of new simulations and interactive learning experiences that we will be releasing for Fall 2021.

Problem: Building context for the application of orthopaedic rehabilitation knowledge is so critical for the organization and recall of numerous tests and techniques

Answer: Interactive MiniSIMS that cover the most common conditions, allow students to apply their knowledge in context-rich interactive clinical scenarios. Each simulation encourages decision making in the following areas:

Interpreting need for referral
Interpreting results of common outcome measures
Determining irritability and severity
Matching interventions to address observed impairments
Matching home exercise to address observed impairments
Reassessment of signs and symptoms to progress or regress treatment

Application:

The fundamental concepts MiniSIMS are designed for the first day of your orthopaedic or musculoskeletal rehabilitation course as a primer for what is to come (Try it here)
The Ortho MiniSIMS are designed to be used at the end of every week after a body region is completed so students can apply what they have learned (Try it here)

Screen Shot 2021-07-22 at 9.50.18 AM.png

Try it here

List of Orthopaedic MiniSIMS:

Guideline based clinical pattern recognition- Fundamental Orthopaedic Management Concepts
Ankle stiffness and muscle power deficits (Achilles tendinopathy)
Neck pain and radiating pain (Cervical radiculopathy)
Hip pain and mobility deficits (Hip osteoarthritis)
Ankle stability and movement coordination impairments (Ankle sprain)
Condition-based MiniSIMS
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Lateral ankle sprain
- Lumbar strain
- Neck facet syndrome
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Piriformis syndrome
- Shoulder instability
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar collateral ligament sprain
- Wrist sprain
- Cervicogenic headache
- More to come...