Simulation as a Teaching-Learning Methodology and its Contribution to Occupational Therapy. Where Are We Going?

Abstract

Clinical simulation is a teaching and learning methodology that has been used in the training of health sciences professionals, especially in medicine and nursing. From this practice, there is conclusive evidence of the contribution of this strategy to the current paradigms in higher education, associated with student-centered training and adult education or andragogy; in addition to the development of generic and procedural skills of the discipline in a protected context and where error favors learning. Today, more than ever before, the incorporation of simulation in the training of health professionals is essential because the safety of patients must be safeguarded in accordance with the existing international and national regulatory and legal frameworks. The aim of this article was to present the contribution of clinical simulation to occupational therapy, its characteristics and implications. The results of the bibliographic search refer to the scarce Latin-American literature on this methodology. Existing research is mostly in English, and there is no standardization regarding simulation practice in the discipline. Consequently, there are more questions than answers; therefore, it is necessary to generate more research and alliances between universities and professional groups to discuss the criterions that will favor the achievement of competences in disciplinary training.