Fostering Clinical Judgment Abilities during Clinical Remediation: A Multi-Modal Approach

Remediation has been used for students at risk for clinical failure, with the belief that additional support will enhance the potential for students to be successful their clinical practicums. A multi-modal remediation program was developed which utilized evidence-based approaches to address clinical judgment abilities for students unable to meet the clinical performance objectives. This program incorporated various facets shown to have a positive effect on the development of clinical judgment, including: 1) an individualized remediation plan; 2) low and high fidelity simulation; 3) student self-assessment of their performance compared to actual performance; 4) the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) and; 5) a virtual community (VC). This multi-modal approach to remediation appeared to successfully meet the student's learning needs while providing a clearly defined process that used a pedagogically sound framework. The individualized learning plan provided the student with a clear action plan. Simulation provided experiences in a safe environment. The LCJR worked well as a tool for student self-assessment and faculty feedback. The VC aided the students in the 'knowing' of the character as a person and their unique patterns related to their illnesses. This multi-modal remediation program allowed students a chance for success in meeting clinical performance objectives.