Exercise Physiology is an emerging allied health profession that is undergoing continued rapid growth in the design of clinical training curricula. Preparation of this report presents an opportunity for the discipline to consider embracing simulated learning environments (SLEs) as part of that clinical training curricula.
A process of review and consultation has provided a clear sense of the potential for SLEs to supplement a portion of the current clinical placement hours for Exercise Physiology students. It is also apparent from a review of the literature and current SLE practices in Exercise Physiology programs, and the consensus of interest in SLEs from the discipline, that there is considerable scope to continue and increase the use of SLEs in the clinical training of entry level exercise physiologists.
At the time of completing this report, the professional body has been able to indicate in principle support for SLEs to be used in place of a limited amount (~10% or 7 training days out of 71 or 50 hours out of 500) of clinical placement time in the workplace. Assistance from Health Workforce Australia with some of the resource requirements will facilitate this process.