First Contact: Using the AOTA Occupational Profile with a Low-Vision Geriatric Client

Teacher Guidelines
Student Learning Objectives
Role Simulated Participant

📄 You can download the full simulation scenario in your preferred language below:

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🧩 Simulation Overview

The simulation offers the opportunity to learn, practice and perform a structured occupational therapy interview while using the AOTA occupational profile in a safe and simulated environment. The client who is being interviewed has been diagnosed with visual impairment (diabetic retinopathy) as well as DM type 2. The aim of this simulation is to gather all information throughout the AOTA occupational profile and set an occupation-based goal with the client.

Modality: Digital Student roles:

Student roles	Number of students	Extra information
Occupational therapist	1	The occupational therapist conducting the occupational therapy interview is being performed by the student.
Participant	1	In this scenario, the client attending the occupational therapy interview is being simulated by a student. (actor is possible)
Other simulated participant Please specify in extra information
Observer	1<	Students not engaged directly in simulation observe process, make notes of observations, monitor student’s application of communication skills and interview protocol, and pose questions and provide feedback during debriefing. They also get specific observations tasks which are given beforehand.

Learning outcomes:

Learning outcomes (simOT Framework)

Domain A: Knowledge and attitudes supporting OT competence
Domain B: Managing and conducting OT process	Prepare for conducting an interview while reading the case scenario as well as the AOTA occupational profile Conduct an interview with the client while using the AOTA occupational profile Set a client-centred goal while using the AOTA occupational profile
Domain C: Developing and maintaining professional relationships and partnerships	Initiate, conduct and conclude the first occupational therapy interview with the geriatric client

🛠️ Preparation for the Simulation

Prerequisites:

Competencies	Specific description of prior knowledge, attitudes and skills
Domain A.1.	Knowledge about occupation and meaningful activities throughout everyday living
Domain A.2.	Theoretical foundations of the OT profession
Domain B.1.	Knowledge about the AOTA occupational profile
Domain C.1.	General communication skills throughout the occupational therapy process

📦 Actions and Materials

Action	Materials
Printing and preparing all materials	Case study (Short client description, general information about the simulation and decision-making about the roles)  Blank occupational profile sheet (AOTA occupational profile) Printed SimOT Compass with learning objectives (observable behaviour) for each student
Preparing the environment (if the scenario is conducted in presence while using the SimStation)	Arrange access to the simulation, control, and debriefing rooms. Familiarize yourself with the SimStation system: Test cameras, microphones, and software. Learn how to record, mark, and replay sessions. Conduct a technical check before the session: Ensure all devices, batteries, and connections are working. Test audio and video recording/playback. Cameras positioned and adjusted: Microphones positioned and tested SimStation control console and software ready Display or projector in debriefing room ready Optional: whiteboard/flipchart and markers for debriefing discussion.
Decision-making about the roles	One student is needed to play the occupational therapist and one student to simulate a client. The simulation is carried out as part of a role play. The occupational therapist must be played by a student, the client is also played by one student but can also be played by actors.

Learning objectives (observable behaviour)

Domain A	Knowledge of the importance of activities for a person’s health, knowledge of the occupational profile
Domain B	Control the course of the conversation and the flow of the conversation (e.g., switch between topics, deal with silence or digressions from the topic, etc.). Ask for relevant information for the occupational profile and maintain an activity-oriented focus during the interview. Summary of the most important conclusions. Ensuring that the client plays an active role and is taken seriously (e.g., obtaining confirmation of conclusions, agreeing on future steps with the client).
Domain C	Beginning to build a professional relationship with a client using communication skills, including showing empathy. Actively listening to the client and responding to their needs.

Name	Liselotte Müller
Age	10.08.1947
Sex	female
Personal factors	She is married to a loving husband who, despite his own mobility issues, remains a steadfast partner. Her husband is 82 years old with low impairment. Together, they have two adult children; one lives nearby and frequently visits to help out, while the other lives abroad but stays in close contact through calls and video chats. Their three grandchildren bring immense joy to your life, and you cherish every moment spent with them, whether near or far.
Ethnicity and cultural context	Austrian, Native Language: German
Reason the participant is seeking OT service and concerns related to engagement in occupations	Low vision in ADLs, IADLs Reason for Referral: Assessment of problems in daily occupations, OT intervention focussing low vision