(23) Development and Validation of a Computer-Based Simulation for Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

Abstract: There has been a call for evidence-based physical therapy (PT) teaching and learning practices. As the International Nursing Association for Simulation Learning (INACSL) Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice (HSSOBP) are evidence-based and grounded in learning theory, they provide an excellent framework for developing and implementing simulation in healthcare education. The INACSL HSSOBP criteria suggest that simulation scenarios should be validated to ensure established learning outcomes and objectives are met and assessment is effective. However, a process to assess validity is not specified and is rarely addressed in simulation literature.

A computer-based simulation to facilitate clinical decision-making and clinical reasoning in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students was developed using the INACSL HSSOBP. A panel of four experts consisting of PT faculty and orthopedic physical therapist clinicians evaluated this computer-based simulation for content validity. The researcher developed a content validity rubric as well as open-ended survey questions to allow the expert panel to make recommendations for improvement. Experts were provided with background information regarding the simulation, conceptual definitions of clinical reasoning and clinical decision-making, and an explanation of the content validity survey. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics. Using the responses to the content validity rubric, a content validity index (CVI) was calculated (CVI = 1) indicating good content validity. Per the suggestions provided by the expert panel, minor revisions were made to the simulation. Using a panel of experts to determine a CVI was a feasible evidence-based process to establish validity of a simulation-based learning experience.