Virtual simulations in the teaching-learning process of physiotherapy: innovative proposal

Abstract

Introduction: The learning process has changed its methodology as well as its tools, due to the students’ profile transformation and the advance of technology. The way the students are taught and assessed is still a challenge to the professor. In this context, Influence Diagram (ID) are appropriate to simulate many aspects of the clinical thinking. Objective: Thus, the main objective of this study is to propose a computerized simulator, structured in ID, a probabilistic network that will be built to develop and evaluate the knowledge of physiotherapeutic assessment. Method: This is a methodological study. Results: Structured simulators in ID make the abilities and knowledge training safer, in controlled environment and allows to the student a constant assess. Therefore, we proposed the building of a simulator, aiming to train the abilities and competences, in a pleasant and stimulating way to the student. Final considerations: We hope that this supporting tool to the learning methodology in the physiotherapeutic assessment could be integrated to the curricular unity to train the students, to enlarge their knowledge as well as their capacity to make decisions, and also to develop and boost the students’ competences and abilities, minimizing the problems in physiotherapeutic assessment