Introduction: Practice education and fieldwork provide opportunities to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge and develop professional behaviours and application skills. In some countries, however, recruiting sufficient fieldwork opportunities for growing cohort sizes can be challenging, particularly when health human resource crises are present. Simulation, when integrated with fieldwork learning, may be one way to address the shortage of learning opportunities, and also offer a scaffolded pedagogical approach.
Objectives: This poster presentation will describe a systematic way that one occupational therapy program co-created an approach to integrate simulation with fieldwork learning. The presenter will outline what was created and also share evaluation results. The presenter will provide opportunities for poster attendees to discuss their views on the fidelity and value of simulation.
Approach: In 2024, only 25% of needed placement offers were submitted by the due date. The fieldwork team viewed this as an opportunity to gather information and co-create a different model of fieldwork learning, one that involved simulation. The team collected data from surveys and benefited from input from an established fieldwork partner committee to co-create a new model which was implemented in 2025.
Results/Practice Implications: In 2025, 90% of needed placement offers were submitted by the due date, suggesting strong engagement. The simulation model itself includes the simulated experiences involving students, faculty, clinicians, and simulated clients with opportunities to practice interviews, documentation, team communication, observation, and handling. Feedback from students, clinicians, and fieldwork team members will be shared. Conclusion: Integrating simulation approaches with fieldwork learning appears to be a promising way to provide optimal learning, both to address learning objectives and achieve sufficient opportunities for our growing cohorts.