Digital learning designs in occupational therapy education: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Digital learning in health professions education
• Occupational therapy curriculum development
• Educational technology in healthcare

Background:

• Digital learning is a growing method in professional health education.
• Studies on digital learning designs in occupational therapy (OT) education are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify digital learning designs in OT education.
• To review their effectiveness, learner perceptions, integrated clinical skills, and technology strategies.

Main Methods:

• A scoping study was conducted.
• Four databases were searched for studies on digital learning, OT, and education.
• Included studies were mapped by digital learning design, subjects, skills, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two studies were reviewed, primarily qualitative or mixed-methods.
• Identified digital learning designs included flipped, blended, hybrid, and distance learning (e-learning, MOOCs).
• Professional reasoning and procedural knowledge were key integrated clinical skills.
• Digital learning showed comparable or superior outcomes to traditional methods in knowledge, skills, participation, reflection, and collaboration.
• Technologies facilitated active synchronous/asynchronous learning through various strategies like gamification.

Conclusions:

• Effective OT digital learning requires appropriate subjects, integrated clinical skills, and suitable technologies.
• Further confirmation through experimental study designs is recommended.