Level I Fieldwork: Could Simulation be the Answer? A Descriptive Study

Abstract This article describes the creation and outcomes of simulation as Level I Fieldwork for entry level graduate occupational therapy students. The simulations were created by a team of interprofessional educators following the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning best practices. Additionally, the simulations were designed to meet the student learning outcomes of Level I Fieldwork. Students participated in eight high-fidelity simulations and were evaluated with self-ratings, peer ratings, and faculty ratings. Each student completed a student evaluation of the fieldwork experience, with rating scales and open-ended questions to understand student perceptions of the experience. The vast majority of students met or exceeded expectations on all rating scales. Faculty ratings on student performance were consistently higher than peer ratings and self-ratings. Student perceptions of their experiences were mostly positive, and the majority of students reported meeting the student learning outcomes. The results of this study indicate that Level I Fieldwork with well-designed simulation can result in positive student perceptions, achievement of student learning outcomes, and a consistent student experience.