Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
A quasi-experimental one group pretest-posttest design was utilized with 19 first-and-second-year doctoral occupational therapy students at a university in Tennessee to evaluate confidence, performance, benefits, challenges, and recommendations from an acute care simulation experience. Student confidence was evaluated using a researcher-developed survey immediately before and after a high-fidelity simulation using a pre-programmed mannequin and standardized script. A performance assessment evaluated students' skills during the simulation. The post-test survey included open-ended questions on perceived benefits, challenges and recommendations. Overall, students demonstrated increased confidence in vital sign monitoring and modification (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate), medical equipment identification, and safe patient repositioning. However, confidence decreased or remained unchanged in certain areas related to treating acute care patients and managing patients with medical equipment. Performance assessments indicated that most students successfully monitored vital signs, performed bed mobility, managed lines and tubes, and applied clinical reasoning to patient responses, although correct placement in Trendelenburg position was rare. Most participants (84%) found the experience beneficial, reporting realism, enhanced confidence, opportunities to apply knowledge, and identification of areas to improve. Those who did not felt blindsided by the mannequin or unprepared for the setting, recommending additional information, feedback and a formal debrief.
Biography
Jillian Pindar, OTD, OTR/L is a Doctoral Capstone Coordinator and Assistant Professor for the Department of Occupational Therapy at Lincoln Memorial University. Her research focuses on innovative educational practices.
Peyton Belton, OTS is a student enrolled in the Occupational Therapy program at Lincoln Memorial University. She completed her undergraduate degree at Mississippi State University.
Madison Griffin, OTS is a student enrolled in the Occupational Therapy program at Lincoln Memorial University. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama.
Abbi Hancock, OTS is a student enrolled in the Department of Occupational Therapy program at Lincoln Memorial University. She completed her undergraduate degree at Tennessee Technological University.
Lucero Limones, OTS is a student enrolled in the Department of Occupational Therapy program at Lincoln Memorial University. She completed her undergraduate degree at Baylor University.
Kristi Self, OTS is a student enrolled in the Department of Occupational Therapy program at Lincoln Memorial University.
Elizabeth Schmidt, PhD, OTR/L is the Director of Research for the Department of Occupational Therapy at Lincoln Memorial University. She completed her PhD at Ohio State University and postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Schmidt’s research is focused on enhancing community participation for neurodivergent individuals, accessibility of sexual education, and OT education.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Pindar, J. K., Belton, P., Griffin, M., Hancock, A., Limones, L., Self, K., & Schmidt, E. K. (2025). Assessing the Impact of High-Fidelity Simulation Experiences on Student Confidence in a Controlled Academic Environment. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (4). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol9/iss4/12
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