Leveraging Simulation to Bridge Theory and Practice in Occupational Therapy Education

Simulation offers immersive, interactive opportunities and a ‘safe space’ to build competencies before clinical placements and transitioning to practice. Simulation is a powerful technique to bridge theory and practice in occupational therapy education Following a series of pilot simulations relating to interviewing, documentation and interprofessional community visits, we will leverage our learning and student feedback to build and evaluate a broader programme of simulation-based learning, built into every module across the Occupational Therapy curricula at Edinburgh Napier University. We will report on the conceptualisation, design, implementation and evaluation of simulations across our programme. In response to existing literature, we will optimise interprofessional collaboration, virtual simulation, technology, and faculty development. Despite the notable strengths of simulation in education, there are key limitations to consider. Simulation cannot fully replicate the complexity of practice. Additionally, ‘suspension of disbelief’ is needed for full immersion and extensive skill and experience is required to optimally facilitate debriefing and guided reflection, which are essential to translate experience into learning. Strong programmes require resources, equipment, scenario development, and expert facilitators. Rigorously designed programs, expertise in facilitation, and longitudinal studies can elucidate simulation’s potential to transform occupational therapy education. Our work will provide a key contribution to this evidence-base.