What negative consequence can clinical masquerading have on students?

Clinical masquerading refers to a situation in medical education where students simulate symptoms or conditions that do not accurately reflect real clinical experiences. This can lead to misinterpretation of clinical realities because students may become accustomed to responding to artificial scenarios rather than learning to interact with genuine patient cases. As a result, they might develop misconceptions about how to approach actual patients and misjudge the severity, presentation, or management of real clinical situations.

Emphasizing this understanding of clinical realities is crucial for students as they prepare to enter the healthcare field. By engaging in realistic clinical experiences rather than simulations that may not accurately depict true clinical presentations, students gain a deeper insight into patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. This foundational knowledge and experience are vital for their development as competent healthcare providers.