title: Hands on learning: the use of simulated clients in intervention cases.
abstract: Standardized patients assist with the education of medical, physical therapy and nursing students. However, the literature does not discuss the use of these learning experiences with occupational therapy students. This article describes the use of standardized clients in a simulation learning experiences and the responses of occupational therapy students to the instructional modality. Qualitative data was analyzed and resulted in the following themes: "I felt like a therapist," "I integrated knowledge and applied my skills with the help of my partner," and "The experience could be enhanced." On a survey, students rated the live simulated learning experience higher than all other instructional methods presented. Included are recommendations for structuring activities using simulated clients and future research.
authors.affiliation: East Carolina University, Department of Occupational Therapy, 3305G Health Sciences Building, Greenville, NC 27858, USA. veldeb@ecu.edu
authors.forename: Beth P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Velde
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clay
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D016544:Patient Simulation; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*