J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1989 Feb; 12(1): 10-4.

Clinical competence: the use of simulators/models in diagnosis of visceral conditions.

Jamison JR.

Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Phillip Institute of Technology, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.

As primary contact practitioners, chiropractors must be competent to screen patients for the presence of visceral disease. Special "clinical" preparation is required to provide students with adequate diagnostic skills in this area in view of the "select" group of patients frequenting chiropractic clinics--the vast majority of chiropractic patients present with musculoskeletal disorders or pain syndromes. The use of sound simulators and life-form models in a problem-based teaching format ensures that students are equipped to cope with any primary contact clinical eventuality in this area. The use of these sound simulators and models in the assessment of clinical competence furthermore enables the implementation of improved standardization and clinical relevance in clinical assessment.