Perceived Educational Value of Different Types of Simulation in Occupational Therapy Education: A Mixed-Methods Study

Simulation is an important instructional method in occupational therapy (OT) programs. However, it remains unclear if the various types of simulation hold the same educational value. The objective of this study was to determine the perceived educational value of three different types of simulations (role-play between students, live scenarios with simulated patients [SPs] and tele-simulation with SPs) and the factors that contributed to a higher educational value. This cross-sectional study used a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. An online questionnaire was used, and two focus groups were conducted to develop a richer understanding of the answers obtained in the questionnaire. Forty-two students answered the questionnaire and nine students participated in the focus groups. Live scenarios with SPs were rated as having higher educational value with 29 out of 42 (69.0%) students strongly agreeing that this format of simulation was a valuable learning experience when compared to 14 out of 42 (33.3%) for role-play and tele-simulation. The students described simulation as an important bridge between the classroom and clinical practice. Although more resource intensive than other types of simulations, in-person simulation with simulated patients offers an invaluable learning opportunity essential in the development of key clinical skills.