Simulation learning is transforming occupational therapy education by offering immersive, hands-on experiences in a controlled and safe environment. This innovative approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing students to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and practical skills without the risk of failure or negative consequences for real patients. The SIMBA project aims to expand the use of simulation-based education, recognizing its potential to enhance student competence and readiness.
With the ability to replicate complex clinical scenarios, simulation learning prepares future therapists to face diverse challenges with confidence. As technology continues to evolve, simulation learning is set to play an even greater role in shaping the future of occupational therapy training.
The Simba project’s Train-the-Trainer´s event, which took place on 26-27 August 2024, was an inspiring and educational experience for all participants. This two-day event provided valuable insights and practical tools to help occupational therapy education teachers use simulation and systematic assessment in their teaching to better support their students.
The first Train-the-Trainer workshop of the Simba project was held by Brigitte Loder-Fink from Austria who excellently led the workshop and involved lecturers in occupational therapy training Heli Arokki, Anu Kuikkaniemi, Irina Katajisto-Korhonen and Tuija Suominen-Romberg and clinical teaching occupational therapist Eetu Väre in inspiring work.
Students are active participants in their learning process
The main objective of the SIMBA project is to integrate simulation-based learning (SBL) and assessment into all phases of occupational therapy training. Consequently, students are active participants in their learning process and feel competent when they enter the workforce as occupational therapists after graduation.
Currently our project website provides English language materials and webinars on the competences and framework of competences for occupational therapist degree programme.
An evaluation form is currently being created, and its reliability will be tested in Train-the-Trainer sessions.
Developing the SIMBA assessment
The Train-the-Trainer event and workshop was one of the most important parts of the Simba project. The event provided participants with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the theory and practice of simulation teaching.
The workshop topics and exercises were varied and comprehensive, allowing each participant to develop their skills and be better prepared for different simulation-related teaching situations. The purpose of the two-day train-the-trainer workshop was to introduce the teachers at the Turku University of Applied Sciences’ occupational therapist training and the educational occupational therapist to the Simba project.
One of the main objectives was to test the evaluation form developed in the project. The aim was to create an evaluation form that would be as reliable as possible and provide valid evaluation feedback to the students participating in the simulation.
The workshop gave participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the simulation guidelines and framework manuals developed in the project and to reflect on the potential of the simulation. At the end of the first day, the workshop provided an opportunity to share ideas, experiences and lessons learned, creating a fruitful atmosphere for discussion and helping to deepen the knowledge and skills acquired during the day.
Another key theme of the event was the management of the SIMBA evaluation. In the second day’s workshop, participants learned how to use the assessment tool effectively to monitor and support student progress.
As a practical exercise, the workshop allowed participants to see several video client scenario situations, which helped participants to put the theory into practice and gave them confidence in using the assessment tool in their own work by practicing scoring. It was also important before the actual validation evaluation to be able to share their thoughts and experiences with all participants.
Train-the-Trainer event and next step
Overall, the Simba Train-the-Trainer event was very successful and provided the participants with a wealth of new ideas and tools to support their teaching work. The training topics and exercises were varied and comprehensive, allowing each participant to develop their skills and be better prepared for different simulation-related teaching situations.
The Simba project continues its work to develop simulation-based learning. A total of 30 different simulation scripts have been created and have been tested during autumn 2024. A teacher’s manual will be created to make use of the scripts, and all project outputs will be published on a website. The website will be developed to be more user-friendly, where every occupational therapy teacher will find ideas and tools for simulation teaching.
The SIMBA project highlights how simulation-based learning (SBL) can enhance occupational therapy education and, ultimately, client care. By providing students with realistic, hands-on practice, SBL ensures they enter the workforce confident and well-prepared.
"This leads to better client outcomes, as therapists can handle complex situations with greater skill and empathy."
On a broader scale, SBL strengthens the healthcare system by reducing the learning curve for new professionals and improving service quality. As projects like SIMBA continue to advance simulation education, they play a vital role in creating a more competent, adaptable healthcare workforce, benefiting both individuals and communities.
The Simba project is an example of how innovative teaching techniques can enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for future challenges.
Anu Kuikkaniemi
lecturer
Heli Arokki
teacher
Sanni Koistinen
student