ERIC Number: EJ1471685
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2573-1378
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Bridging Technology and Fieldwork Education: Developing an Electronic Medical Record for a Simulated Level I Experience
Ricardo G. Altahif Jr.; Kirsten Davin; Yue Ma; Celina Casas
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, v9 n2 Article 12 2025
This study explores the development and implementation of a custom-designed simulated Electronic Medical Record (sEMR) system integrated into a simulation-based Level I occupational therapy fieldwork experience. The sEMR was collaboratively developed by the Occupational Therapy Department and the University Learning Design Team to provide occupational therapy students with realistic exposure to electronic medical record navigation and documentation. First-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy students engaged in eight patient scenarios that simulated real-world settings--two of which utilized the sEMR for chart review and documentation while the remaining six used paper-based documentation. At the conclusion of the simulation, sixty-five students completed a modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire to assess their perceptions of the system's ease of use, usefulness, and their acceptance and applicability to future use of EMRs in practice. The results indicated that students found the sEMR useful, relevant to their learning, and beneficial in preparing them for future Level II fieldwork and professional practice. Although most students reported positive experiences, some challenges were noted regarding the system's ease of use and navigation. This study underscores the value of incorporating sEMRs into occupational therapy curricula to help bridge the gap between academic learning and the pragmatic demands of modern-day practice, ultimately better preparing students for the transition to Level II fieldwork.
Descriptors: Occupational Therapy, Allied Health Occupations Education, Simulation, Records (Forms), Field Experience Programs, Doctoral Students, Student Attitudes, Usability, Computer Uses in Education
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A