Impact of Virtual Simulation and Coaching on the Interpersonal Collaborative Communication Skills of Speech-Language Pathology Students: A Pilot Study

Authors

Jacqueline A. Towson Ph.D., CCC-SLP, University of Central FloridaFollow
Matthew S. Taylor Ph.D., University of Central FloridaFollow
Jennifer Tucker PT, DPT, PCS, University of Central FloridaFollow
Claire Paul Ph.D., BCBA, Georgia State UniversityFollow
Patrick Pabian PT, DPT, SCS, OCS, University of Central FloridaFollow
Richard I. Zraick Ph.D., CCC-SLP, University of Central FloridaFollow

Abstract

Communication between clinicians, teachers, and family members is a critical skill when addressing and providing for the individual needs of patients. However, graduate students in speech-language pathology (SLP) programs often have limited opportunities to practice these skills prior to or during externship placements. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of virtual-reality based rehearsal with coaching on the interpersonal collaborative communication skills of SLP graduate students when delivering information regarding a singular patient to different stakeholders. Three graduate students completing their third semester in a SLP program participated in the study. Each participant was provided a clinical case scenario and asked to deliver recommendations related to the client’s communication abilities to a single adult avatar portraying either a parent, teacher, or pediatrician. This task was repeated twice to allow assessment of performance across multiple trials. A brief reflection and coaching period was provided between trials with the same avatar. All interactions were scored using the Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, and Communication (SBAR-C) tool. All participants demonstrated improved communication skills between their first and second trial with each avatar as measured by the SBAR-C. Social validity surveys with participants revealed that they found the intervention to be valid and acceptable.

Recommended Citation

Towson, J. A., Taylor, M. S., Tucker, J., Paul, C., Pabian, P., & Zraick, R. I. (2018). Impact of Virtual Simulation and Coaching on the Interpersonal Collaborative Communication Skills of Speech-Language Pathology Students: A Pilot Study. Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 2(2).