Evaluating Students' Experience in Applying Model of Human Occupation in Acute-Care Settings through Actor-Based Case Simulations

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Tiffany Ting Lin, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS

Homa Zahedi, MSc, Dip COT, PGCH (HE) FHE

Abstract

Occupational therapists in hospital settings play a critical role in facilitating rehabilitation and promoting safe discharge, thereby reducing hospital readmissions and preventing hospital-acquired injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis and falls. Despite the benefits of occupation-based interventions, novice therapists often revert to an impairment-focused approach because of difficulties in applying occupation-centered models. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) offers a framework to support occupation-based practice, yet students and early-career therapists frequently encounter challenges in translating theoretical models into clinical application.

This study aims to examine occupational therapy students’ experiences with actor-based case simulation sessions designed to enhance confidence and application of the MOHO in acute care settings. A mixed-method retrospective cohort design was employed, involving forty-five students who participated in actor-based simulations and completed an anonymous survey to evaluate the impact on their learning. Findings indicate that students perceived the simulations as beneficial for developing occupation-based interventions, enhancing their understanding of the MOHO, and improving clinical and practical skills as well as confidence. These results suggest that incorporating practical, theory-based learning experiences may reinforce students' confidence and competency in applying occupation-based models in future clinical practice where it has been challenging.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

Erratum

Corrected location of where ethical approval was obtained from and where participants were recruited from.

Recommended Citation

Lin, T. T., & Zahedi, H. (2026). Evaluating Students' Experience in Applying Model of Human Occupation in Acute-Care Settings through Actor-Based Case Simulations. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 14(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2548