Preparing the Learner for Simulated Client Encounters: Investing in Preparatory Work

This chapter emphasizes the value associated with learners investing time and energy in preparatory work. Doing so allows learners to maximize their simulation experiences and make meaning from them. When learners come to the simulation lab prepared to dive deeper than the working knowledge they acquired on their own, they are capable of engaging in higher-order thinking. This chapter outlines what preparation (PreWork) and presimulation briefing can look like so that learners are primed to meet scenario objectives within a psychologically safe space that allows them to grow. In preparation for communication-based simulations, PreWork provides learners with an overview of the clinical case they will be participating in, in the role of attending clinician. In addition to summarizing the case, PreWork outlines instructors’ expectations for the tasks that learners will be performing. Tasks become more complex as learners become more familiar with and test out various aspects of clinical consultations (e.g., meeting and greeting the client, taking a patient history, explaining, and planning).