A Simulated placement involves simulated environments, human patient simulation and role play, enabling multiple learning objectives to be taught in a realistic clinical environment. It allows students to learn various skills and knowledge in different mock scenarios without intimidating students and being harmful to patients.

A Diagnostic Radiography Simulated Placement involves students taking part in differing role plays in a simulated imaging room, with human patient simulation. This gives students an opportunity to learn whilst making mistakes in a realistic clinical environment. 

On clinical Placements students are under supervision and have to be cautious in everything that they do as students are imaging actual patients, the simulated environment allows students to learn skills and acquire knowledge without fear of intimidation or any harm to patients. 

It also has the benefit of allowing students to undergo a debrief at the end of the day and learn from their mistakes, which allows students to gain the confidence when going out on to clinical placement (Vestbøstad et al., 2020).

Group work, self directed learning, scenarios with actors, peer support can all be expected whilst on simulated placement.  

• Technical proficiency-Operating equipment

• Critical thinking-Scenarios

• Communication skills-Interaction with supervisors and peers

• Patient care-Ensuring safety and comfort

• Problem solving-Case studies

• Radiation safety-Safety protocols, Regulations and optimisation

• Teamwork and collaboration- Understanding your role and others

• Professionalism-Ethical standards, confidentiality and respect diversity

• Work efficiency-Time management and prioritising tasks in clinical settings

This is an idea of what simulated placement will involve: 

• You will receive an induction on simulated placement which will include expectations and learning outcomes of simulation. 

• You will be hearing from lecturers, guest speakers, engaging in group work activities centred around the case studies, and interacting in some self-directed study within your simulation. 

• You will have practical days on campus in the simulation suites such as the X-ray imaging suite and seminar rooms located in Robert Winston building and Heart of Campus. 

• You will be able to record all of your progress in your Pebblepad, this can include group work and individual work.

Debrief is incredibly important for your learning. You MUST engage in the debrief. 

You and the rest of the team will have debriefs at the end of your simulation sessions to go over the lessons learned, what worked, and what might not have worked. 

Everyone has the opportunity to evaluate their own work and provide feedback to the team during the debrief.

Here are some examples of questions you might be asked:

• What went well during the scenario?

• What could have gone better? 

• How did you and the patient communicate?

• To what extent did the team communicate effectively?

• Did the duties get done in a professional manner?

• Were there any instances of danger?

• How were problems handled?

• Did the team act in a professional manner?

This is an excellent chance to discuss any problems or impacts the circumstance may have had on you or those around you. Last but not least, it enables ongoing development, efficient communication, and the encouragement of staff and student wellbeing—all of which support safe patient outcomes. 

Click here to gain more of an insight into Debrief

If you have any issues whilst on simulated placement contact your visiting lecturer, as you would do on clinical placement. 

• If you are unsure where to attend James Hughes (james.hughes@shu.ac.uk)  has sent out timetables where location and session is present. 

• Hallam Help (hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk) are always there to support you in anyway.