Effect of Simulation on Occupational Therapy Students' Self-Efficacy When Preparing for Level II Fieldwork
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| Title: | Effect of Simulation on Occupational Therapy Students' Self-Efficacy When Preparing for Level II Fieldwork |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Juliet Steffe, Karen Menard, Angela M. Gibson |
| Source: | Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 2026 10(1). |
| Availability: | Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 25 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Occupational Therapy, Allied Health Occupations Education, Self Efficacy, Clinical Experience, Computer Simulation, Doctoral Students, Experiential Learning |
| ISSN: | 2573-1378 |
| Abstract: | Occupational therapy academic programs provide students with knowledge and professional skills through coursework and clinical skills practice, enabling them to transition successfully into clinical placement. Despite completing multiple semesters of didactic work, students may experience high levels of anxiety and self-doubt when preparing for Level II fieldwork. The problem addressed in this study was the lack of perceived self-efficacy in clinical skills when preparing for Level II fieldwork, leading to the potential for difficulty transitioning from the classroom to the clinic among entry-level occupational therapy graduate students. A basic qualitative study was conducted using focus groups to explore how providing experiential learning opportunities through high-fidelity computer-based simulation may improve self-efficacy in clinical skills during preparation for Level II fieldwork. Following Level II fieldwork, participants shared their perceptions of self-efficacy in clinical skills after participating in high-fidelity computer-based simulations as part of their preparation for clinical placements. Four themes emerged from the data, supporting the use of high-fidelity computer-based simulations as a teaching method to enhance entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students' self-efficacy before Level II fieldwork. The study outcomes provide academic programs with additional educational strategies to prepare students for Level II fieldwork. The data support existing research regarding the benefits of experiential learning, particularly simulation. The results also suggest that providing simulations specific to assigned Level II fieldwork sites improves student perceptions of self-efficacy in clinical skills before Level II fieldwork. Embedding simulation throughout the curriculum, rather than just as fieldwork preparation, was an additional result worth further examination. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1502410 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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