Economic evaluation of simulated and traditional clinical placements in occupational therapy education

Abstract

Introduction: This economic evaluation complements results of the randomised controlled trial that established non-inferiority of the learning outcomes of a one-week simulated clinical placement (SCP) in occupational therapy qualifying degrees in comparison to an equivalent traditional clinical placement (TCP). This companion study presents detailed cost analyses of two placement alternatives and a cost-benefit study to assess the value for money of SCP. An economic evaluation of simulated versus traditional placements has not previously been conducted in Australia. Methods: Nine SCP/TCP rounds were conducted by six Australian universities. Costs were collected using study-specific instrumen..