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

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Simulation-Based Learning
• Allied Health

Background:

• Simulation is vital for preregistration health professional training.
• Existing programs lack conceptual frameworks for designing simulated clinical placements.
• This gap hinders the effective replacement of traditional clinical hours.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the conceptual framework for simulated clinical placements (CF-SCP).
• To provide a structure for designing simulated placements as viable "placement replacement" experiences.
• To facilitate the testing of validity, efficacy, and transferability of simulated placements.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized learning and simulation theory.
• Incorporated findings from empirical literature.
• Integrated perspectives from experts in occupational therapy, education, and simulation.

Main Results:

• Developed the conceptual framework for simulated clinical placements (CF-SCP).
• CF-SCP aligns workplace and simulation learning principles.
• Demonstrated CF-SCP application in a 1-week simulated placement.

Conclusions:

• The CF-SCP offers a structured approach to designing effective simulated clinical placements.
• This framework is essential for validating and optimizing simulated learning experiences.
• It supports the integration of simulation as a replacement for clinical hours in allied health.