Hand rehabilitation and activity analysis

/ Hands-on cases

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

🧩 Simulation Overview
The simulation takes place during an outpatient clinic visit situation. This simulation exercise involves an outpatient visit where the client has symptoms of numbness in her hand. This makes it difficult for her to participate in meaningful occupations. Based on interviews and observations, occupational therapists must determine the need for occupational therapy and the occupational challenges faced by clients. 
Modality: Hands-on Student roles:
​​Student roles​  ​​Number of students​  Extra information 
​​Occupational therapist​  1-2  In this scenario, there may be two therapists, with one acting in a supporting role if the student feels they need support.  
​​Participant​  1  Client 
​​Other simulated participant Please specify in extra information​  1  If desired, a relative of the client may accompany the client. 
​​Observer​  1<  Students not engaged directly in simulation observe process, make notes of observations, monitor learner’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​  A.2. Occupational therapists possess knowledge about occupational therapy   A.5. Occupational therapists possess general professional knowledge about health and social care:    Human anatomy and function of the human body      
​​Domain B: Managing and conducting OT process​  B.1. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies in professional reasoning during the occupational therapy process.   B.2.3. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies for implementing, monitoring, evaluating, adjusting, and concluding occupational therapy interventions.  
🛠️ Preparation for the Simulation
Prerequisites:
​​Competencies​  ​​Specific description of prior knowledge, attitudes and skills​ 
A.1  Occupational therapists possess knowledge about occupation and humans as occupational beings  
A.4  Occupational therapists possess attitudes about: Factors that present barriers to participation 
C.1  Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies in engaging in effective professional communication  
📦 Actions and Materials
​​Action​  ​​Materials​ 
Scripts available: printed or electronically on the learning platform  Case study (Short client description, general information about the simulation and decision-making about the roles) 
Preparing the environment  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.    Prepare the simulation room according to the material instructions (chair, work station)  

​​Learning objectives (observable behaviour)​ 

 

​​Domain A​ 

  • The student can identify an occupational challenge  
  • The student can explain the essential structures by hand  

​​Domain B​ 

  • The student can modify and adapt the activity and understand the relevance of the activity for the client  
  • The student compares the client’s strengths and resources vs. difficulties in performance  
  • The student knows how to do activity analysis and can make adaptation and modifications of client’s meaningful occupations  
  • The student applies clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills to formulate hypotheses about the factors that affect the client’s occupational performance  

​​Name​ 

Role player chooses the name   

​​Age​ 

57 years 

​​Sex​ 

female 

​​Personal factors​ 

She is athletic and likes to do handicrafts.   

​​Ethnicity and cultural context​ 

Western European, Finnish  

​​Reason the participant is seeking OT service and concerns related to engagement in occupations​ 

Canalis carpi. Right hand dominant. Increased numbness of the right arm. Things easily fall out of hand. Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and edge of the ring middle finger. Occasional use of non-prescription painkillers.    

Due to the condition of her arm, she has been unable to pursue her favourite hobbies. She has trouble sleeping, which affects her ability to cope. 

 

The occupational therapist has received a request to start conservative treatment and prepare a night splint. It is important to identify the performance of daily occupation and ways to facilitate the client’s situation   

 

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