Sponsored Sessions
Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs (ACOTUP) proudly partners with organizations committed to advancing occupational therapy education, research, and practice.
Our Sponsored Sessions offer a unique opportunity to share innovative ideas, highlight emerging trends, and engage directly with educators, researchers, clinicians, and students from across Canada.
May 2026 Sponsored Session – MontrealÂ
Canadian Occupational Therapy Simulation Guidelines for Academic and Fieldwork Education
Hosted by the Simulation Guidelines Group, sub-committee of the Academic Education Committee (AEC).
Introduction: Simulation helps prepare and assess students’ readiness for the complexities of practice. In occupational therapy (OT), best practices for academic or fieldwork simulation are often adopted from other disciplines, and/or other countries. Since May 2023, the Academic Education Committee ad hoc national simulation guidelines group, part of the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs (ACOTUP), has completed a three-phase research study. The research study has engaged groups in the academic, fieldwork and regulatory domains for the purpose of developing national simulation guidelines for Canadian occupational therapy (OT) programs.
Objectives: Participants in this session will i) learn about the phased research study findings that informed the guideline development; ii) review the completed guidelines for academic and fieldwork simulation; and iii) trial the OT simulation scenario template for design and delivery of simulation in OT.
Findings: The research study included a scoping review of 316 articles grouped into academic preparation, fieldwork hours, and interprofessional education. The modified Delphi expert panel produced 46 agreed- upon simulation parameters. The national cross-sectional survey gathered input on 21 of the agreed upon parameters. The guideline group incorporated the research findings into the Canadian OT simulation guideline and scenario template.
Practice Implications: Participants will develop a better understanding of the content and application of the simulation guidelines and associated scenario template, and their alignment with best practice simulation practices and the competencies for OT practice (ACOTRO, ACOTUP, & CAOT, 2021). Examples for academic and fieldwork use will be demonstrated.
Conclusions: This session will launch and release the Canadian OT simulation guidelines for competency development in academic and fieldwork education.