Learning with peers on prac

Recently on my musculoskeletal prac I was lucky enough to practice and learn with another student, I found teaming up with this particular student quite useful. The arrangement we formed turned out equally beneficial to us, we were able to efficiently sift through the vast knowledge required to competently complete our musculo prac.

Teaming up with another student is less intimidating than asking stupid questions to supervisors, although also useful at clarifying previous knowledge. Whilst practicing different treatment techniques honest feedback can be given directed at the efficiency of the technique. This together with my superivors feedback helped me greatly improve my confidence and effectiveness in the musculoskeletal field.

Here is an example of how learning with another student helped me on prac:
I was treating one lady for upper cervical hypomobility and went through an extensive subjective and objective assessment. After completing this I was moderately confident that I had localised the patients affected segments, after discussing my finding with my peer, I then invited him to complete an abbreviated objective assessment with my current patient. His findings also confirmed my earlier findings. This increased both our confidence in localising affected segments, and once confirmed with our supervisor left us believing we were some sort of musculoskeletal gods sent down from heaven to rid the world of neck pain!

As the prac went on, peer checking continued, we tested each others asterixised objective findings and either agreed or further checked with our supervisor. This approach provided doubly beneficial as it gave feedback from an honest peer and increased the client exposure giving us more chance to learn.

Reflecting on my prac I found teaming up with a peer was the most beneficial aspect; this helped me learn in a non threatening and fun way. I would recommend this to all.