5 Tips for a Successful Clinical Simulation Experience

Simulation-based learning is becoming increasingly popular in the education of health care professionals and can occur either online or in person. Simulations provide students with the opportunity to practice their interview and clinical skills in a safe setting. The experience typically consists of an actor portraying a patient and a realistic scenario in a simulated hospital room or clinic setting, offering students the ability to practice some of the most challenging elements of occupational therapy interventions and make mistakes without causing harm. They can also help identify a student’s strengths and areas for improvement while building confidence to put the skills students have learned in the classroom into practice. While simulations are an exciting and interactive way to learn, they can also be nerve-wracking.

Here are five tips to help ease the anxiety for your first simulation (or practical exam) experiences.

1. Frame the simulation as a learning opportunity.
   The goal for your first simulation experience is not to do everything perfectly. The benefit of a simulation is that you’re free to make mistakes without the pressure of working with real patients. Do your best to approach the situation with a growth mindset. You will make mistakes, and it’s better to make them in a simulation than in a real clinical setting. Treat each mistake you make as a learning opportunity, recognizing that it’s one fewer mistake you’ll make as an occupational therapy practitioner.
2. Prepare in advance as best you can.
   Read the case study thoroughly ahead of time so you have a chance to research the diagnoses or ask any questions in advance. It can be helpful to write out a list of talking points or questions you plan to ask during the simulation. Then, prepare for your simulation like you would for any exam. Get good sleep the night before and don’t forget to eat breakfast. Before the simulation, take a deep breath and practice whatever techniques you’ve found work best to stay calm.
3. Expect the unexpected.
   No matter how much you prepare, the simulation may not go the way you planned. That’s okay! Being able to think on your feet, adapt to the conversation, go with the flow, and let the patient guide the interaction are all important clinical skills. The more you can avoid thinking of the experience as a simulation, the better—pretend you’re actually an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant working with a patient and ask yourself what you would do if you were experiencing this situation in a real clinical setting.
4. Be open to feedback.
   The debrief portion of the simulation is important for optimal learning, even if it feels intimidating to receive feedback on your performance. Remember that everyone else is a student, too; your evaluators aren’t comparing you to professional occupational therapy practitioners. Do your best to listen openly to the feedback you’re given without feeling defensive or embarrassed.
5. Reflect back on your experience.
   After the simulation, think about some of your key takeaways from the experience. How did you feel during the simulation? What did you do well? What would you do differently next time? Is there anything you still have questions about? Think about the feedback you received; many people find it easier to reflect on feedback after having time to process it.

Simulation-based learning can be anxiety provoking, but it is a great way to develop skills as future clinicians. If your school doesn’t offer simulation-based learning, you can find simulation programs online, develop and practice different scenarios with your classmates, or advocate for simulation education in your program.

Just remember, it’s a learning experience!

Cristyn Amaral is a first-year OTD student at Samuel Merritt University. She is a first-generation Latina student and participates in many life roles, which include being a mother, a wife, and a student. Cristyn also serves as a Co-Class Representative and Co-Vice President of the Student Occupational Therapy Association in her program.

Claire Watry is a first-year OTD student at Samuel Merritt University where she works as a peer tutor for the school. When not studying, she enjoys hiking with her dog and exploring local restaurants.