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Simulation in Occupational Therapy Curricula: A literature review
Sally Bennett1, Sylvia Rodger1, Cate Fitzgerald2
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Occupational therapy education increasingly uses simulation for student engagement and clinical skill development. Research shows diverse simulation methods are well-received, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm long-term clinical practice benefits.
Area of Science:
- Health Professions Education
- Occupational Therapy
- Simulation-Based Learning
Background:
- Simulation is a growing educational tool in healthcare, enhancing student engagement and clinical practice relevance.
- Despite its use, simulation in occupational therapy curricula remains under-investigated.
- This review addresses the gap by examining simulation's use and evaluation in occupational therapy over 30 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the existing research on simulation in occupational therapy (OT) curricula over the past three decades.
- To evaluate the various methods and applications of simulation used in OT education.
- To consider how simulation contributes to developing occupational therapy student competence.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Searches included MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ERIC databases.
- Articles focusing on the use and evaluation of simulation in OT curricula were identified.
Main Results:
- Fifty-seven relevant papers were identified.
- A wide array of simulation modalities are employed, including standardized patients, virtual reality, and case studies.
- Simulation is primarily used in foundational courses, fieldwork preparation, and for developing entry-level competencies.
Conclusions:
- Simulation-based education is widely utilized and positively received within occupational therapy programs.
- Current research predominantly consists of descriptive studies and student perception surveys.
- Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to ascertain the impact of simulation on occupational therapy students' clinical practice outcomes.