OT Advice: Home modifications in COPD and hip recovery

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

In this simulation, students will interact with a standardized patient portraying Maria, a 70-year-old woman recovering from hip surgery while managing COPD. Students will explore ways to help her carry out daily activities more easily and safely at home, with a particular focus on self-care in the bathroom (variations possible). They will formulate practical occupational therapy recommendations to enhance her comfort, independence, and participation in meaningful daily tasks.

Modality: Hands-on Student roles:

Student roles		Number of students		Extra information
Occupational therapist	1		Reviews data and findings from the previous session (home occupational analysis) and confirms key points with Maria. Assesses how her orthopaedic and respiratory conditions impact daily activities, focusing on self-care in the bathroom. Provides practical advice on home modifications and assistive devices to improve independence, safety, and quality of life, applying PEO principles. Summarises recommendations and discusses a follow-up plan. Documents findings, goals, and recommendations clearly. (Complete checklists/assessment and) participates in debriefing.
Participant	optional 1		Portrays Maria according to the case description. Describes daily challenges related to hip surgery and COPD, and actively participates in exploring solutions and preferences. Asks questions and engages in the discussion about assistive devices and home modifications. Expresses motivation, needs, and concerns about safety, independence, and quality of life. (Complete checklists/assessment and) participates in debriefing.
Other simulated participant Please specify in extra information
Observer	Max. 4		Evaluates the therapist’s process in delivering practical recommendations for home modifications and assistive devices that enhance Maria’s independence, safety, and quality of life, applying PEO principles. Observes how well the therapist tailors advice to Maria’s personal needs and values. Assesses the therapist’s communication skills and the extent to which Maria is involved in decision-making. Provides feedback on the quality, clarity, and relevance of the recommendations and the follow-up plan. (Complete checklists/assessment and) participates in debriefing.

Learning outcomes:

Learning outcomes (simOT Framework)

Domain A: Knowledge and attitudes supporting OT competence	A.1. Occupational therapists possess knowledge about occupation and humans as occupational beings A.2. Occupational therapists possess knowledge about occupational therapy. A.4. Occupational therapists possess attitudes about: The value of every person and people’s ability to adapt and change, The environment in which people choose to live, Factors that present barriers to participation A.5. Occupational therapists possess general medical and professional knowledge
Domain B: Managing and conducting OT process	B.1. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies in professional reasoning during the occupational therapy process. B.2. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies in managing and conducting the occupational therapy 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 occupational therapy interventions B.3. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies in conducting ethical and safe practice B.4. Occupational therapists demonstrate competencies in conducting culturally sensitive practice.
Domain C: Developing and maintaining professional relationships and partnerships	Communicates clearly, involves Maria in decision-making, collaborates to set meaningful goals for home modifications, and discusses a follow-up plan. (C.1, C.2.1)
Domain D: Professional autonomy and continuous professional development	Structures the session efficiently from review to advice and follow-up and accurately documents findings, goals, and recommendations in a structured and timely manner. (D.2)

🛠️ Preparation for the Simulation

Prerequisites:

Competencies	Specific description of prior knowledge, attitudes and skills
Knowledge	Basic understanding of orthopaedic and respiratory conditions, specifically hip surgery recovery and COPD, and their impact on daily functioning. Familiarity with general principles of home modifications and assistive devices to improve safety, accessibility, and independence, particularly in bathroom settings. Awareness of regulations, reimbursement procedures, and relevant partners for home adaptations and assistive device provision.
Attitudes	Respectful and open attitude towards clients’ personal values, habits, and living environments. Empathy, responsibility, and ethical awareness in professional interactions, with attention to promoting client autonomy and safety.
Skills / Competencies	Ability to analyse client data and environmental information (e.g. photos, reports) prior to a session. Basic clinical reasoning skills to link medical context to occupational performance. Clear and professional communication skills to engage clients in discussion and decision-making.

📦 Actions and Materials

Action	Materials
Therapy room preparation	OT tools, walking aids, chairs
Home photos and floor plan	Bathroom photos, floor plan
Client documentation	Medical history, goals, notes, assessments, home checklist
SP attire check	Comfortable post-hip surgery clothing
Therapist resources	Pen/paper, notepad/tablet
(Optional) Recording devices	Camera, microphone, laptop (privacy ensured)

Learning objectives (observable behaviour)

Domain A	Reviews previous home analysis and integrates Maria’s personal values, relevant occupational therapy knowledge, and medical context to ensure safe, inclusive, and client-centered recommendations for home modifications and independent functioning. (A.1, A.2, A.4, A.5)
Domain B	Applies occupational therapy principles and clinical reasoning to prioritise, formulate, and implement practical recommendations for home modifications and assistive devices, focusing on enhancing Maria’s independence, safety, and self-care in bathroom activities. (B.1, B.2, B.2.2, B.2.3) Demonstrates respect for Maria’s values, preferences, and living environment, ensuring recommendations are culturally sensitive, ethical, and promote safety. (B.3, B.4)
Domain C	Communicates clearly, involves Maria in decision-making, collaborates to set meaningful goals for home modifications, and discusses a follow-up plan. (C.1, C.2.1)
Domain D	Structures the session efficiently from review to advice and follow-up, and accurately documents findings, goals, and recommendations in a structured and timely manner. (D.2)

Name	Maria Janssens
Age	70 years (born 1943)
Sex	Female
Personal factors	Supportive husband as primary caregiver; two adult children nearby providing additional support. No professional care present yet
Ethnicity and cultural context	Belgian, Dutch-speaking
Reason the participant is seeking OT service and concerns related to engagement in occupations	Maria was referred for post-hip replacement rehab, COPD, and osteoarthritis management. She faces limited mobility, pain, and breathing difficulties that affect daily tasks. She seeks support to manage pain, improve breathing, improve mobility and quality of life. Maria aims to regain independence in self-care, maintain household roles, and spend time with loved ones.
Medical history and diagnosis	Recent left THR (Total Hip Replacement) (1 month ago) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Osteoarthritis, primarily in knees Current medications: pain management, respiratory support, post-surgical care