title: Online simulation-integrated education for hearing loss in older adults
title: Applications in Music Therapy Education
titleType: Subtitle
Creators: name: Kim, Hae Sun
Publisher: name: University of Iowa
Year: 2024
Subjects: Hearing loss
Learning
Music therapy
Older adults
Simulation
Video
public abstract

description: Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has shaken the fundamental structure of traditional face-to-face education at all learning levels across the globe, and music therapy education is no exception. For decades, simulation has been an integral part of clinical education in the healthcare profession (Durham &amp; Alden, 2008). Researchers note that in recent years, with the remarkable development of digital and virtual technologies, adapting simulation-based programs in virtual environments allows for easy access, global reach, and repeated practice at a minimum cost (Cooper et al., 2017). The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the perception of both healthcare professionals and patients about how healthcare training should be conducted, making web-based or e-simulation-based education with a focus on patient safety and clinical competency more crucial than ever (Mahdy et al., 2022). However, to date, the evidentiary support for integrating simulations in online learning in music therapy education remains limited. Objectives: The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an online simulation-integrated (OSI) course with content and learning activities aligned with online and simulation learning theories. The course focused on older adults with hearing loss and accommodations for this population within the context of music therapy, topic areas not often addressed in music therapy education.
description: Methods: I developed an online simulation-integrated course on a theoretical foundation of experiential learning theory (Kolb, 2014), cognitive load theory (Sweller, 2011), and social learning theory (Bandura, 2002), as well as content based on the Music Therapy and Hearing Loss Model I developed during the course of the study. After the OSI course development, nine expert panelists in music therapy, audiology, and speech-language pathology evaluated the content and learning activities of the OSI course using a quantitative and qualitative feedback evaluation form. The quantitative ratings were based on a 16-item 5-point Likert-type scale, and the ratings were analyzed descriptively. Among the qualitative feedback, experts commented on the most and least effective parts of the content, as well as suggestions for improvements.
description: Results and Significance: The OSI course entitled Music and Hearing Loss consists of nine modules with the aim to educate music therapy students and music therapy clinicians to increase the accessibility of therapeutic music interventions for older adults with hearing loss. The ratings and feedback by expert panelists revealed they perceived the OSI course to be a practical, useful, and effective resource for music therapists and music therapy clinicians. Experts rated the majority of modules favorably; the eighth module that integrated video simulations was rated the highest. The panelists also identified the least and most effective content areas and provided specific suggestions for improvements for each course module. The results from this dissertation are believed to be the first online music therapy educational resource that combines video simulation and online education evaluated by experts. This work may help music therapy students and professionals better understand the impact of hearing loss and better equip them to adequately address the needs of older adults with hearing loss in music therapy sessions. In addition, the findings of this dissertation could contribute to an understanding of best practices for the education and training of music therapists using the OSI course. Consequently, this work could enhance the lives of older adults with hearing loss who consider music an important part of their lives.