The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy programme at the S. K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University (SFU), has adopted Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) since 2022 with promising outcomes. Furthermore, it has initiated a cross-curricular collaboration with the University's Higher Diploma in Film and Media Production (HDFMP) programme to launch the Standardized Patient Program (SPP). HDFMP teachers and students serve as standardized patients, helping enhance physiotherapy students' clinical placement readiness and self-efficacy. This establishes new standards for physiotherapy training, elevating students' clinical preparedness, confidence, and communication skills.
SBL originated in the UK and Australia. The SFU physiotherapy programme introduced this teaching methodology in 2022, initially applied to cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, and SFU became the first tertiary institution in Hong Kong to systematically incorporate SBL into its physiotherapy curriculum. Students engage in guided, experiential learning within a safe, controlled environment, replacing or enhancing real-world experiences. This facilitates action reflection and conceptual learning, preparing them for future practical applications. Moreover, all teachers in the programme have received SBL training and obtained certification from Australian Catholic University (ACU).
In 2023, the Smart Simulation Laboratory, established with funding from the Education Bureau's Enhancement and Start-up Grant Scheme for Self-financing Post-secondary Education (ESGS), commenced operations. It is equipped with hospital-grade facilities, high-fidelity simulators, authentic props, a 30+ case database that spanning musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and internal medicine domains, in addition of a portable video recording system enables students to practice independently and review discussions, creating an ideal environment for SBL.
In 2024, the programme launched Hong Kong's first Cantonese Standardized Patient Program specifically for physiotherapy education. This academic year marks the commencement of interdisciplinary collaboration with the HDFMP programme at SFU. Among the 66 trained standardized patients, 47 are professional actors—including teachers and students from HDFMP — while the remaining 19 are healthcare professionals. The program also features seven thematic workshops covering safety, communication, caregiver education, and interprofessional collaboration. Following simulated clinical training, students complete a questionnaire to reflect on and summarise their learning experiences.
The program achieved satisfactory outcomes. Among participating physiotherapy students, 94.6% believed simulation practice should be increased, while 89.7% indicated the exercises boosted their confidence in clinical reasoning. Instructors involved in the program unanimously agreed that the simulation's structure and relevance were satisfactory, demonstrating strong alignment with both the curriculum and practical applications. Dr Tiffany CHOI, Programme Leader of Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy, SFU, emphasised that SBL represents a sustainable, evidence-based model for physiotherapy education. By integrating experiential learning, performance arts, and a realistic clinical setting, it equips students with technique, empathy, and professionalism to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
Mr Tenky TIN, Advisor of the HDFMP programme, served as an "actor-instructor" during the press conference, portraying a stroke patient receiving treatment from physiotherapy students. Mr CHAN Shu Chi, Programme Leader of the HDFMP programme, stated that the initiative offers significant benefits for both physiotherapy and HDFMP students. Physiotherapy students gain practical experience through SBL, learning how to interact and communicate with patients, perceive and understand their needs. Meanwhile, HDFMP students receive hands-on experience integrating performing arts with medical expertise.