Placement replacement: A conceptual framework for designing simulated clinical placement in occupational therapy

Simulation is increasingly used to supplement clinical placement in preregistration health professional programs. However, there are no conceptual frameworks to guide the design of these learning experiences when replacing a clinical placement. In the present study, the conceptual framework for simulated clinical placements (CF-SCP) is presented. Evolving from an iterative process of synthesizing learning and simulation theory, findings from the empirical literature, and the perspectives and ideas from experts in occupational therapy practice, education and simulation-based learning, the CF-SCP aligns principles and processes of workplace and simulation learning. The application of the CF-SCP is described in the context of a 1 week full-time SCP. The CF-SCP provides a structure for organizing, understanding, and applying the principles and processes to design a simulated placement to be a "placement replacement" experience. Articulating a conceptual framework for the design of simulated placement experiences to replace actual clinical placement hours in the allied health sector is important if these experiences are to be tested for validity, efficacy, and transferability to a range of occupational therapy practice areas and other health disciplines.