Occupational Therapy Intervention Planning and Implementation for a Person with Parkinson’s Disease

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

🧩 Simulation Overview
This simulation scenario focuses on planning and implementing an occupational therapy (OT) intervention for an individual diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It aims to enhance students’ clinical reasoning, practical skills, and ability to provide person-centered care in a highly authentic and structured learning environment.  Students will observe the patient’s transfer activities, plan and apply appropriate transfer techniques, and recommend assistive devices. The scenario is designed for in-clinic implementation with standardized patients. However, it can also be conducted using role-play with senior students, depending on available resources and institutional context. 
Modality: Hands-on   Student roles:
Student roles  Number of students  Extra information 
Occupational therapist  1  Active participant 
Participant  1  Standardized patient or student in role-play 
Other simulated participant Please specify in extra information  Up to 8  May take structured notes 
Observer  1  Played by trained student or assistant 
Learning outcomes:
Learning outcomes (simOT Framework) 
 
Domain A: Knowledge and attitudes supporting OT competence  A.2.7. The occupational therapist knows the process of occupational therapy (e.g. assessments, goal-setting, intervention strategies targeting person/occupation/environment, evaluation, documentation). 
Domain B: Managing and conducting OT process  B.2.2. Occupational therapists jointly set goals and intervention plans with the client.  B.2.3. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies for implementing, monitoring, evaluating, adjusting, and concluding OT interventions.  B.3. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies in conducting ethical and safe practice. 
🛠️ Preparation for the Simulation
Prerequisites:
Competencies  Specific description of prior knowledge, attitudes and skills 
A.2  Theoretical knowledge about occupational therapy for adults with neurological conditions; including goal-setting, intervention planning, and use of assistive devices 
A.5  Knowledge about motor symptoms and functional limitations of Parkinson’s disease; ability to interpret the clinical manifestations such as trunk instability and postural imbalance 
A.2  Knowledge and application of transfer techniques and safe handling strategies using walkers, canes, and other assistive devices 
A.5  Attitudes and awareness related to client safety, respect for autonomy, and appropriate professional communication during intervention 
📦 Actions and Materials
Action  Materials 
Ensure video camera is working and streaming to observers’ room  Video camera, computer with streaming setup 
Prepare the physical environment with assistive devices  Walker, crutches (forearm and axillary), chairs, bed 
Set up classroom to simulate OT clinic  Bed, chairs, table, clinical notes 
Distribute simulation materials and forms to students  Assessment forms (e.g., COPM, FIM results), client profile 
Prepare caregiver role-player if included  Scenario script, 40-minute briefing session 

Learning objectives (observable behaviour) 

 

Domain A 

A.2.7. Student will be able to demonstrate competency in interpreting assessment results and planning interventions accordingly. 

Domain B 

B.2.2. Student will be able to collaboratively plan a transfer intervention with the client, incorporating the client’s priorities and context. 

B.2.3. Student will support the client’s occupational performance during transfer training by providing appropriate cues, grading, and adaptation strategies. 

B.3. Student will identify safety risks during transfer and take appropriate precautions to ensure the client’s safety. 

Name 

A.K. 

Age 

1954 

Sex 

Male 

Personal factors 

Strong family bond with daughter and wife; previously independent; motivated to regain autonomy in daily living 

Ethnicity and cultural context 

Turkish; lives with family; religious; follows daily prayers 

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

Difficulty with gait, transfer, and safe mobility. Fatigue during daily tasks and need for safe strategies. Client wants to increase independence at home.