Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Education To Address Substance Use Disorders: Education In Screening, Brief Intervention, And Referral To Treatment (Sbirt), Jill M. Brown, Kathleen Schachman, Meghan Baruth

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

As substance use disorders (SUDs) continue to rise in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapy practitioners are in a unique position to help individuals seek immediate screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment upon first entry in a healthcare setting. Occupational therapy practitioners have helped individuals overcome SUDs since almost the beginning of the profession, however, there is a paucity of literature on entry-level practitioners’ preparedness for such work. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an entry-level occupational therapy curriculum module on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), a universal public …

Perceptions Regarding Hand Therapy Content In Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Programs, Lauren Fiori, Karen Majeski

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

There are a substantial number of Certified Hand Therapists reaching retirement age in the next decade, however, there are few newer graduates who are pursuing this specialty. Students’ lack of clinical knowledge has shown to be a barrier to successfully completing a hand therapy fieldwork affiliation. The purpose of the study is to investigate: (1) the perceptions of the clinicians working in hand therapy and students regarding the integration of hand therapy content in entry-level occupational therapy programs, and (2) the perceptions of both groups as to which content is deemed essential for a successful hand therapy fieldwork placement. This …

Fieldwork Educators’ Perceptions Of The Revised Fieldwork Performance Evaluation, Todd Sanders, Amanda M. Carpenter

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The American Occupational Therapy Association’s Fieldwork Performance Evaluation plays a vital role in occupational therapy education by guiding students and fieldwork educators in determining students' entry-level competence. This evaluation tool dates to 1953 and has undergone numerous revisions as the profession evolved and changes were made to the practice framework. Revisions have included changes to the stated purpose of the evaluation tool, items to be scored, scoring scale, and number of items on the tool. The purpose of this study was to survey Academic Fieldwork Coordinators (AFWCs) to examine their perceptions of the 2020 revision of the evaluation. We surveyed …

Mapping Review Of Fieldwork Education Literature, William E. Janes, Becki Cohill, Ann Cook, Anne Escher, Stacia Galey, Debra J. Hanson, Elizabeth D. Lequieu, Devon Olson, Kari Williams, Jayson Zeigler

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fieldwork is an integral phase of occupational therapy education, bolstered by a small but growing evidence base. A broad understanding of the state of that evidence base is necessary to inform the directions for future growth. The purpose of this work was to establish the current state of occupational therapy fieldwork literature, map that literature to recognized criteria for educational research, and identify gaps in the existing literature. Authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a mapping review of articles with a primary focus on fieldwork education of occupational therapy (OT) or occupational …

A Pilot Sexual Device Adaptation Project For Occupational Therapy Students: A Skills-Based Approach To Teaching Sexual Activity As An Adl Through Assistive Technology, Benjamin E. Canter, Zoe M. Loitz, Victoria E. Richardson, Tatiana B. Pontes, Leanna Katz, Kevin Berner, Pedro Htq Almeida

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Despite being categorized as an activity of daily living since the first edition of the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, no Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) standards exist to provide guidance on teaching occupational therapy students about sexual activity as an activity of daily living (ADL). When discussed, sexual activity is usually taught via didactic lecture, but is a subject that would benefit from a skills-based approach to teaching. This pilot pedagogical exercise in a two-credit assistive technology class taught occupational therapy students to address the ADL of sexual activity with clients by having students adapt a sexual toy …

Hats On! A Teaching Innovation To Make Theory Visible In Professional Reasoning, Wanda J. Mahoney, Stacy Smallfield

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Students often find learning and applying theory difficult and potentially disconnected from practice. Using theory to guide occupational therapy assessment and intervention preserves the distinct value of occupational therapy. One way students develop professional reasoning is by learning how to use theory. Theoretical knowledge guides the professional reasoning questions that students and practitioners seek to answer. Teaching occupational therapy theory needs to involve clear, engaging, and meaningful activities that foster an explicit focus on occupation. This paper presents an innovative way of teaching theory in occupational therapy. We explain a thinking cap analogy to organize the theoretical knowledge that guides …

Building Bridges: A Mentor Education Program For Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Sara J. Stephenson, Cynthia Ivy, Montana Vonier, Danielle Sweets

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Mentoring in occupational therapy is a crucial role that many practitioners undertake and there is a paucity of mentor education specific to occupational therapists. Authors present an innovative approach to mentor education through a novel three-part online mentor training series. Developed by faculty teaching at Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) entry level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program, the series incorporated adult learning theory and the stages of mentoring through the lens of occupational therapy. The training series received positive feedback from participants, who found it straightforward, relevant, and applicable to their work settings. Literature emphasizes the increasing demand for quality mentors …

Students' Perception Of Pedagogical Approaches To An Occupation-Based Anatomy Course In Occupational Therapy, Chih-Huang Yu, Sean Roush, John White

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

There is a need to develop an anatomy course with contemporary pedagogy that is consistent with the core of the occupational therapy profession. The purpose of this study was to examine students’ perception of a blended learning pedagogy applied to an occupation-based anatomy course compared to a traditionally delivered anatomy course using cadaver lab for entry-level doctoral occupational therapy students at a private university in the Pacific Northwest region. A retrospective, nonrandomized, two-group, post-test only design with data gathered at the completion of each course was used. One student cohort received the occupation-based anatomy course with a traditional in-person learning …

Dementia Education Opportunities For Pre-Registration Occupational Therapy And Physiotherapy Students- A Scoping Review, Samita Kirve, Alice Teague

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The number of dementia diagnoses is ever-increasing in the aging population, meaning that healthcare staff need to be equipped with the appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and skills to care for people with dementia. However, recent research suggests that globally, both healthcare workers and students require greater dementia education opportunities to meet the needs of people with dementia. There seems to be limited research exploring dementia education opportunities within occupational therapy (OT) and physiotherapy (PT) programs. A scoping review methodology was chosen to explore the literature about dementia education in global OT and PT programs. There was limited literature in this area …

Fostering Entry Level Practitioner Knowledge, Confidence, And Competence In Trauma-Informed Care Application, Mollie Keyser, Mary A. Barnes

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Trauma is pervasive worldwide and is associated with poor health outcomes if left unaddressed, however, a gap in practice continues to exist in the implementation of trauma-informed care (TIC). Occupational therapy practitioners will encounter individuals, communities, and populations influenced by trauma, which warrants the need for TIC to improve overall service delivery across the lifespan. However, TIC is currently not systematically integrated into any Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) occupational therapy educational standards. The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate a TIC application-based workshop for a sample of entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) students. …

Occupational Therapy Assistant Students’ Perceptions Of Using Standardized Patient Encounters As A Replacement For Traditional Level I Fieldwork, Tiffany L. Benaroya, Deborah Mckernan-Ace, Sandra L. Rogers, Meredith Cimmino

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Standardized patient encounters are being utilized more often in occupational therapy education as a replacement for traditional fieldwork. While there is a growing body of research to support the use of this model in developing student skillsets and confidence, there remains limited information on the topic, and no studies which look at its use with occupational therapy assistant students. Twenty-four occupational therapy assistant students participated in standardized patient encounters which served as a replacement for traditional Level I fieldwork. All students completed an anonymous supplementary course evaluation regarding their experiences. A secondary analysis of the data looked at their perceptions …

Student Occupational Therapists Experience Of Bullying In Placements: Exploratory Study Across Canada, Palvi Dhillon, Lisa Mahil, Jeffrey D. Boniface, Danielle Burrell-Kim, Donna Drynan

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Bullying in placements is a phenomenon that is reported by numerous healthcare disciplines. The limited literature on occupational therapy and student bullying accounts that incivility during placement is both widespread and significantly impacts learning. This study aimed to 1) gather data on the prevalence, type, and effects of bullying that Canadian occupational therapy students experienced while on placement, and 2) explore students’ perspectives on current reporting processes and potential mitigation strategies. Using a phenomenological approach, a mixed-methods descriptive and exploratory study was conducted. An anonymous Qualtrics survey consisting of multiple-choice, Likert scale and open-ended questions was completed by past occupational …

“Putting On Our People Lens”: Lived Experience As Pedagogy, Tessa Zoe Milman, Sarah Bream, Celso Delgado, Erin Mcintyre, Tristan Scremin, Leslie Moreno, Maggie Yeo, Deborah Pitts

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

In the professional education of mental health practitioners, including occupational therapists, there has been a lack of meaningful inclusion of people labeled with mental illness into curricula, beyond guest speaker panels and presentations. This study explored the experiences of students, faculty, and ‘Experts by Experience’ within a mental health occupational therapy course that incorporated Experts with lived experience as co-facilitators of weekly fieldwork debriefs. The study utilized focus groups and interviews to understand the experiences of students, mental health faculty, and ‘Experts by Experience’. Key themes that emerged from the qualitative data analysis were organized under three broad categories: 1) …

Transitioning From Professional Practice To Teaching During Covid-19: A Participatory Research Study, Yvonne Thomas, Ciara Hensey, Claire Squires, Anna Collier, Heidi Cathcart, Lindsey Coup

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The transition from expert occupational therapy practice to academic educator is stressful and complex, involving the development of a new professional identity. In 2020-21 COVID-19 created a new challenge for recently employed academics, who were in this transition process. This study utilized participatory research to explore the impact of COVID-19 on six new occupational therapy lecturers who were employed immediately before and during the pandemic. The participatory research approach simultaneously engaged participants in research processes and aimed to promote researcher development. Three focus groups were conducted to explore participants experiences before, during and after COVID-19 restrictions. Focus groups transcripts were …

Relationships Between Reasoning, Reflective Practice, And Evidence-Based Practice: Educators’ Perspectives, Hannah K. Burke, Pat L. Sample, Anita C. Bundy, Shelly J. Lane

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Many models of professional thinking exist within occupational therapy, but the relationships among reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice as essential skills for practice are not clear. Because occupational therapy educators impart these skills to students, understanding how educators conceptualize relationships among skills is necessary. We used Delphi methodology to explore educator conceptualizations of the relationships among clinical reasoning, professional reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice. Inclusion criteria were: an educator in an occupational therapy program for at least three years at the master’s level or higher, currently an occupational therapy educator based in the United States, and available across …

The Occupational Therapy Practitioner Experience And Practice Related To Upper Limb Loss Or Difference And Prosthetics, Amanda H. Sugar, Rebecca Ozelie, Kristi Turner

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Despite occupational therapy’s critical role on the rehabilitation team for individuals with upper limb loss or difference (ULL/D) and prosthetics, this population is not extensively covered in many occupational therapy (OT) program curricula. As such, many clinicians work with patients with ULL/D with little expertise or confidence for this complex population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the OT practitioner experience and practice related to ULL/D and prosthetics in their education and practice. Utilizing snowball sampling, 150 OT practitioners completed a 24-question survey, which assessed OT practitioners’ experience with ULL/D, the prosthetic education in their OT program, and …

Occupational Therapy Students’ Service Learning: Rehabilitation Archeology With Military Veterans, Lola Halperin, Jaimee Mb Hegge, Sharon Mccloskey, Stephen Humphreys

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Existing research evidence pertaining to the occupational therapy (OT) role with adventure-based outdoor activities for military veterans and the authors’ positive experience serving members of a non-profit veteran-run organization that promotes rehabilitation archeology suggest that outdoor rehabilitation for this client population is a promising avenue for the profession. Moreover, students’ exposure to outdoor experiences designed for military veterans as well as other populations presenting with physical and mental health conditions has the potential to significantly augment OT curriculum by impacting both the learning trajectory and personal transformation of the students. This paper describes a unique service-learning experience involving graduate OT …

Utilizing The Nant Core Competencies To Guide The Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Experience And Project In The Nicu, Kate N. De Castro Mehrkens, Taylor N. Bateman

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

The occupational therapy doctorate degree requires a capstone experience and project to be completed within a specific occupational therapy (OT)-related setting. The doctoral capstone experience and project can be difficult to complete in the highly specialized Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This paper provides a sample outline of the doctoral capstone experience and project in the NICU. The NANT Core Competencies, written by the National Association of Neonatal Therapists Professional Collaborative, were utilized as a guideline to track student progress and ensure understanding of neonatal therapy topics. This paper follows one student’s doctoral capstone experience and project in the NICU …

The Impact Of Videoconferencing On Social Participation In Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Students, Martha J. Sanders, Olivia Gougler, Kathryn Rich

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Videoconferencing was heavily utilized as an online learning tool at universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the high utilization, few studies have examined students’ perspectives on their health, social interaction, and preferences in using specific videoconferencing features for online pedagogy and campus participation. This study surveyed 275 occupational therapy students from six class cohorts regarding the use of videoconferencing during the 2020-2021 academic year. Students reported physical changes in fatigue, eye, and back discomfort from the use of videoconferencing for extended periods, in addition to increased stress and anxiety during this period. Students reported lower class engagement during videoconferencing, as …

Using Experiential Geriatric Simulation To Foster Empathy Among Occupational Therapy Students: A Mixed Methods Study, Sabina Khan, Jacqueline Achon

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Due to advancements in medical science leading to increased life expectancy, the number of older adults is on the rise. Empathy is crucial in catering to the unique needs of this vulnerable population. The use of geriatric simulation suits to cultivate empathy among health science students is gaining traction. Nevertheless, the efficacy of this teaching approach remains unexplored among occupational therapy students. We recruited a convenience sample of 21 occupational therapy graduate students for a mixed methods study. Participants engaged in a two-hour session during which they performed daily tasks like meal preparation, laundry, and dressing while wearing various components …

Addressing Sexuality In Occupational Therapy Practice: A Qualitative Exploration Of Students’ Needs, Barriers, And Facilitators, Keren Shavit-Buckley, Amy J. Nwora, Renee Cadzow, Bryan M. Gee

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Disability and chronic disease can have a profound effect on individuals’ sexuality and sexual health, resulting in decreased quality of life for many. While sexuality and sexual health are identified within the domain of occupational therapy (OT), this topic is not routinely addressed in clinical practice. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceived needs, facilitators, and barriers to addressing sexuality in clinical practice by 10 graduate OT students recruited from one Western New York (WNY) university. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted utilizing a researcher developed interview guide. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) was used as the conceptual framework for the …

Predictors Of General Well-Being In Postprofessional Students Of Occupational Science And Occupational Therapy, Elena Wong Espiritu

Funded Scholarship

Background: Doctoral students experience decreased well-being during their educational experience. Self-compassion, engagement in meaningful occupations, and occupational balance positively impact well-being in individuals. This study examined the relationships between these constructs in postprofessional occupational science and occupational therapy students.

Method: This quantitative cross-sectional study collected national survey data (N = 113) using the Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form, the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, the Occupational Balance Questionnaire 11, and the 14-item Scales of General Well-Being. Multiple linear regression analysis determined how well each construct predicted general well-being and the strength of each construct’s relationship compared to other …

Occupational Therapy Students' Perceptions Of Participation In A Novel Educational Intervention To Learn Hand Anatomy, Christine Myers, Michael Cricchio, Rebecca Piazza, Morgan Yacoe

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Learning anatomy via cadaver dissection is considered a best practice in anatomical education. However, occupational therapy programs commonly use alternative or adjunct teaching methods when teaching anatomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate students’ perceptions of learning hand anatomy through participation in the Dell Hand Instructional Module (DHIM), a novel educational intervention incorporating an animated video series and a translucent, three-dimensional model of the hand. Participants attended one anatomical instructional session and one assessment session, completed a questionnaire about their experiences, and participated in a focus group. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that the DHIM made learning about …

Universal Design For Learning Principles Impact On Students With Neurodiverse Learning Styles, Jennifer Y. Cole, Julia Graham, Shelly Norvell, Patricia Schaber

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a pedagogical framework that utilizes the principles of equal access, flexibility, simplicity, perceptibility, and efficiency in the process of teaching and learning. This multi-institutional cross-sectional study examined instructional methods and designs that occupational therapy students identified to be useful or not useful for their diverse learning needs based on principles of UDL. The study also sought to determine if select methods or designs were perceived to enhance learning for those who are neurodivergent in contrast to other students. An online survey was distributed to students across four occupational therapy programs. The survey consisted of …

Embedding Physical Therapy In The Pediatric Primary Care Setting: Qualitative Analysis Of Pediatricians’ Insights On Potential Collaborative Roles And Benefits, Ryan P. Jacobson, Rebecca R. Dobler

Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy

The growing need for collaborative healthcare teams to meet complex health challenges has led to physical therapists (PTs) being embedded in adult primary care settings for many years now. However, this model of care has not been found in pediatrics. This qualitative study sought to gain insights from pediatricians on the potential of embedding pediatric PTs in primary care. Participants were nine pediatricians practicing in both urban and rural, hospital-based and private settings. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via thematic analysis per published methods, assuring trustworthiness. Three overarching themes emerged: pediatricians’ priorities aligned with the Quadruple Aim of …

A Comparison Of Level Ii Fieldwork Outcomes: Preparation With Simulation Vs Community And Clinical Level I Fieldwork Experiences, Katelyn Brady, Darla Coss, Stephanie De Sam Lazaro

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Occupational therapy programs can use a variety of delivery modes for Level I fieldwork. All experiences aim to contribute to the clinical and professional preparation for Level II fieldwork. This study compared the Level II fieldwork outcomes for two cohorts of students, one that participated in simulation-based Level I fieldwork and one that completed community and clinic-based Level I fieldwork. The student outcomes on the American Occupational Therapy Association AOTA Fieldwork Performance Evaluation (FWPE) for the Occupational Therapy Student were used for comparative data. The results indicated no statistically significant difference in the two cohorts’ midterm score ratings. Statistically significant …

Educational Interventions For Managing Ethical Problems In Occupational Therapy: A Survey, Brenda S. Howard, Payton Berger, Mckayla Hendricks, Allison Moll, Erin Rusconi, Abigail Shamdin, Julia Swindeman, Zoe Chasnick

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Little is known about how to mitigate moral distress within occupational therapy, but ethics education may reduce its impact by providing practitioners with tools for managing ethical problems. This study aimed to explore the impact of ethics education on managing ethical problems among occupational therapy practitioners within the first five years of practice using a pre-existing survey dataset collected in the spring of 2020. The investigators examined the formats and types of ethics education practitioners reported they received and how helpful they found that education. Investigators analyzed correlations between education and confidence with ethical problem-solving using Spearman’s rho. Results included …

Ot/Ota Student Intraprofessional Collaboration: A Multi-University Remote Design, Karen Probst, Amy L. Brzuz, Geralyn Wallace

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Fostering intraprofessional collaboration (intraPC) between occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students is an integral piece of occupational therapy education programs. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) even expanded upon intraPC standards in their 2023 standards version. Despite the importance of intraPC activities, barriers exist to their implementation such as time, cost, and logistics. However, it is still important for OT program faculty to identify what types of intraprofessional education activities are a good fit for their program to ensure compliance with standards and prepare students for future collaboration. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to …

3d Printing Technology Acceptance Through A Peer-Assisted Learning Continuing Education Course, Sara Benham, Casaundra Didomenico, Ashton Dluzneski, Erin Howley, Brenna Curley, Katelyn Amy

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

As rehabilitation technologies rapidly develop, the lack of evidence-based training remains a barrier to technology adoption. Continuing education (CE) may provide training opportunities for new technologies, specifically 3D printing. Current models of CE course design rely on traditional, pedagogical methods, including didactic delivery, as opposed to applying adult learning models, which integrate experiential, self-directed learning to promote collaboration and problem-solving. This study sought to determine whether the active learning approach of peer-assisted learning (PAL) promoted collaboration and transference of knowledge between rehabilitation clinician peers when learning 3D printing. In this mixed methods study, 35 clinicians from occupational therapy, physical therapy, …

Teaching Reasoning, Reflective Practice, And Evidence-Based Practice: Educator Consensus Strategies, Hannah K. Burke, Pat L. Sample, Anita C. Bundy, Virginia Spielmann, Shelly J. Lane

Journal of Occupational Therapy Education

Although reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice are essential professional skills for occupational therapy students, there is not a clear understanding of how these skills are taught. We used Delphi methodology to explore how occupational therapy educators conceptualize best-practices for facilitating the development of clinical reasoning, professional reasoning, reflective practice, and evidence-based practice. Participants were required to be educators in a master’s-level or higher occupational therapy program for at least three years, based in the United States, and available across multiple survey rounds. The nine participants nominated a total of 94 teaching strategies, of which 90.4% (n = 85) reached …