A Placement Replacement Module Developed Through COVID-19: Incorporating Spiral Learning, Case-based Learning and Simulated Pedagogical Approaches

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic changed life across the world at an unprecedented speed, in ways that were unimaginable prior to March 2020. As ‘new normals’ emerge, the impact on everyday life is being realized and some rapid innovations are worthy of review and retaining, such as an occupational therapy student virtual Placement Replacement Module (PRM). The occupational therapy specific module was developed to replace prohibited face-to-face, practice-based education. It was designed to support the consolidation of professional knowledge and facilitate the application of practice-based skills, crediting the students with 120 practice placement hours, as agreed with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). This education innovation, based on a spiral learning approach, delivered over five weeks enabled 30 first year students to engage in a range of on-line placement related activities, incorporating the use of reflective diaries, case-based learning, and simulated practice. The evaluation of student feedback showed that authentic learning activities, immersive feedback, and the opportunity for shared learning can facilitate the consolidation of academic knowledge. In particular, it can help develop professional and therapeutic communication skills and clinical and professional reasoning and build personal and professional confidence. As this is believed to be the first PRM of its kind, the purpose of this paper is to describe the education innovation and share the outcomes that resulted from the student evaluation. Other Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are encouraged to think how similar on-line modules could replace face-to-face occupational therapy placements or be included in knowledge consolidation and preparation for placement.