Advancing Interprofessional Communication: Preliminary Outcomes Of A Novel Collaboration Framework In A Student Head Injury Clinic,
2026
Rutgers University
Advancing Interprofessional Communication: Preliminary Outcomes Of A Novel Collaboration Framework In A Student Head Injury Clinic, Natalia Noce, Kelly Ann Pena, Susan Paparella, Andrew Lynch, Erin Keller, Aaron Dallman, Pamela Rothpletz-Puglia
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
When healthcare providers practice interprofessional practice, care improves, and medical errors are reduced. Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) principles and the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Patient Performance and Safety (TeamSTEPPS®) frameworks are utilized in healthcare education to develop interprofessional collaborative practice skills, but there is little understanding of how these skills change over time. We sought to evaluate the development of interprofessional collaborative practice skills by examining graduate occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology students' first-hand reports of their experiences over time in an interprofessional head injury clinic. We employed an applied interpretive qualitative research approach longitudinally collecting …
Recalibrating Readiness: Pandemic Impact On Ot Admissions,
2026
Rush University Medical Center
Recalibrating Readiness: Pandemic Impact On Ot Admissions, Bridget J. Hahn, Kajol Patel, Jacquelyn A. Siegel, Jessica Rappaport, Michelle Mcfall-Johnsen, Kia A. Burks
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
This study explored shifts in occupational therapy applicant characteristics across two distinct time periods: pre- and post-COVID-19, while also describing admissions policy changes implemented by an urban Midwestern Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. Retrospective data from admissions records from 917 applicants (2017 – 2024) were grouped into pre-COVID (2017 – 2020) and post-COVID (2021 – 2024). Academic, pre-professional, interview, and underrepresented minority (URM) status was compared using independent t-tests and chi-square analyses. Cumulative grade point average (GPA) and research experience increased post-pandemic, while pre-professional experience and interview performance declined. The proportion of URM applicants rose significantly from 8.1% pre-COVID to …
Attribution Theory In Occupational Therapy Clinical Education: A Scoping Review,
2026
Creighton University
Attribution Theory In Occupational Therapy Clinical Education: A Scoping Review, Julia Shin, Anna Domina, Ashley Fecht, Lisa Bagby, Raigan Borsh
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are essential for occupational therapy students’ professional development and fieldwork success. Despite their importance, these competencies are often ambiguously defined, inconsistently assessed, and underemphasized in curricula. Attribution theory, a well-established framework from social psychology, provides a valuable lens for examining how students’ causal attributions influence their motivation, behavior, and professional growth. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the application of attribution theory in health professions education by characterizing attribution-focused interventions, assessments, and student outcomes. Following Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five-stage framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted systematic searches across Academic Premier, CINAHL, ERIC, OTSeeker, and PubMed …
Building Self-Perceived Confidence Through Occupational Therapy And Nursing Student Peer Teaching,
2026
Touro University Department of Occupational Therapy
Building Self-Perceived Confidence Through Occupational Therapy And Nursing Student Peer Teaching, Jennifer A. Tokash, Melissa Nolan, Jamie Bittiger, Jessica Wagoner, John Damiao, Michelle Lopez
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Peer teaching, which is student-to-student instruction, has emerged as a promising pedagogical strategy in higher education, yet it remains underexplored in health professions curricula. While traditional professor-led instruction remains the predominant model, peer teaching may offer comparable or enhanced outcomes, particularly in fostering students’ self-perceived confidence and active learning. This study examined the impact of peer teaching on nursing students’ self-perceived confidence in applying ergonomic principles and performing safe patient handling techniques, as instructed by occupational therapy students. Additionally, the study assessed occupational therapy students’ self-perceived confidence in measuring vital signs following instruction provided by nursing students. Using a quasi-experimental …
Effective Teaching Behaviors Of Adjunct Faculty In Occupational Therapy Education: Perspectives Of Students, Adjuncts, And Core Faculty,
2026
Baylor University
Effective Teaching Behaviors Of Adjunct Faculty In Occupational Therapy Education: Perspectives Of Students, Adjuncts, And Core Faculty, Kayla Collins, Marian Gillard, Christine Davis, Kirsten Davin, Barbara M. Doucet, Bridget Scheidler
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Adjunct faculty constitute nearly half of the higher education workforce in the United States, yet they often receive limited preparation and institutional support for their teaching responsibilities. In occupational therapy education, where rapid program expansion has heightened reliance on adjunct instructors, understanding which teaching behaviors are most valued is critical to ensuring instructional quality, student success, and professional readiness. This study examined perceptions of effective adjunct teaching behaviors in a doctoral occupational therapy program using the Teaching Behavior Checklist (TBC), a validated 28-item measure of teaching effectiveness. Participants included students (n = 33), adjunct faculty (n = 19), and core …
Simulation In Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs,
2026
Abilene Christian University
Simulation In Occupational Therapy Graduate Programs, Donna Walls, Lillie Thomas, Melinda A. Underwood, Kendall Davis
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
The purpose of this study was to identify the use of simulation in occupational therapy graduate programs. A national survey was analyzed from participants who were faculty members of graduate programs in the United States. The survey questions focused on the characteristics of the simulated experiences, student skills addressed, faculty collaboration efforts, and the debriefing process. Over 1,750 emails were sent to faculty of accredited graduate occupational therapy programs and yielded a response rate of approximately 9.5% from faculty of 80+ programs in 31 states that were included in the responses. Survey data were analyzed with cross-tabulation and statistical analyses, …
Faculty Perceptions Of Active Learning In Occupational Therapy Education: Strategies Utilized, Feasibility, And Student Outcomes,
2026
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Faculty Perceptions Of Active Learning In Occupational Therapy Education: Strategies Utilized, Feasibility, And Student Outcomes, Heidi N. Robertson, Erin Westover
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
This study utilized a concurrent mixed-methods approach using an online survey to examine occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant faculty members' knowledge and use of active learning strategies, perceived barriers, and perceptions of student engagement and learning outcomes. The investigators developed a survey, including 22 closed and open-ended questions, capturing demographics, knowledge, barriers, strategy use, and student outcomes. Quantitative data analysis employed descriptive statistics, indicating that knowledge of active learning was most frequently gained through on-the-job experience. Findings also revealed differences in strategy use across course types: active learning was used more frequently in practice-based courses and less frequently in …
Exploring Microaggressions Experienced By Students Of Color In Occupational Therapy Programs: Fostering A Climate Of Belonging,
2026
Kean University
Exploring Microaggressions Experienced By Students Of Color In Occupational Therapy Programs: Fostering A Climate Of Belonging, Laurie Knis-Matthews Ph.D., Ot, Sara Frommer Otd, Otr/L, Jacquelyn Pierre Otd, Otr/L, Geena Santomo Otd, Otr/L, Corrine Pineda Msot, Otr/L, Jackeline Artiles Otd, Shaniqua Bradley Ph.D., Lcsw
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Microaggressions, which are subtle and often unintentional acts of bias, continue to shape the educational experiences of students from marginalized backgrounds, yet their nuanced nature makes them difficult to define and address. This phenomenological qualitative study investigated the lived experiences of occupational therapy graduate students of color regarding microaggressions within their academic programs. Using purposeful sampling, five occupational therapy graduate students from various United States institutions participated in individual, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: It’s Hard to Describe a Microaggression without Using Examples and Explaining the Emotions Behind It; These Microaggressions Had Immediate and Long-Term Consequences on …
Change In Perception Of Cultural Self-Efficacy Among Graduate Students In An Occupational Therapy Academic Program,
2026
Saint Louis University
Change In Perception Of Cultural Self-Efficacy Among Graduate Students In An Occupational Therapy Academic Program, Emma Edwards, Selena E. Washington, Zidong Zhang
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Culturally responsive care is essential to improving healthcare access and outcomes; however, the extent to which occupational therapy students are prepared to deliver such care remains unclear. Experiential learning embedded within occupational therapy curricula, including fieldwork, is considered a key pathway for developing cultural self-efficacy. This quantitative study examined changes in cultural self-efficacy among graduate occupational therapy students across didactic and experiential learning experiences within a Master of Occupational Therapy program. Using the Multidisciplinary Healthcare Provider version of the Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool, perceived self-efficacy across the cognitive, practical, and affective domains was assessed across three cohort-based administration periods aligned with …
Equity-Oriented Mentoring For Occupational Therapy Students In Canada: A Narrative Assessment,
2026
Dalhousie University
Equity-Oriented Mentoring For Occupational Therapy Students In Canada: A Narrative Assessment, Kaarina Valavaara, Tara Pride, Chris Mcwilliam, Jaime Blenus, Stephanie R. Bizzeth, Brenda Beagan
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
In the health professions, mentoring has emerged as a key strategy for reducing the isolation and exclusion of students from equity-denied groups – including students who identify as Indigenous, racialized, disabled and/or queer. Mentoring often focuses on academic and professional skills, which implies students from these groups are somehow lacking. In contrast, ‘equity-oriented’ mentoring focuses on learning in the context of on-going, everyday isolation, exclusion, discrimination and even hostility. Mentors from the profession, who are also members of the same equity-denied groups, provide role models for thriving in the face of oppression. They may provide psychosocial support while helping students …
Assessing Supports And Barriers To Equitable Participation In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork For Students From Minoritized Backgrounds: A Mixed Methods Analysis,
2026
Western Oregon University
Assessing Supports And Barriers To Equitable Participation In Occupational Therapy Fieldwork For Students From Minoritized Backgrounds: A Mixed Methods Analysis, Kristin M. Nxumalo, Coalition Of Occupational Therapy Advocates For Diversity Cotad, Alexia Rebne, Janis Yue, Ryan Thomure, Ricardo D. Ramirez
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Fieldwork experiences in occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) education introduce students to novel environments that they must successfully navigate. When examining the experiences of OT and OTA students from minoritized backgrounds, it is critical to understand their fieldwork experiences so that fieldwork educators and partners can create inclusive, supportive environments that promote success for all students. Within this study, a needs assessment was conducted to explore factors that impacted the OT and OTA fieldwork experiences of students from minoritized backgrounds. Using a mixed methods design, a cross-sectional survey was completed by non-faculty OT practitioners (n=48), Academic Fieldwork …
An Exploratory Study Of Occupational Therapy Students’ Use Of Coping Strategies On Fieldwork,
2026
University of Florida
An Exploratory Study Of Occupational Therapy Students’ Use Of Coping Strategies On Fieldwork, Heidi Horwitz, Sheila Moyle, Hannah Morse, Christine Myers
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
This qualitative study explored how occupational therapy students applied coping strategies during Level II fieldwork after completing resilience-focused preparatory modules. Occupational therapy students often experience high stress during fieldwork, and resilience-building strategies may help mitigate these challenges. Participants (N=58) were second-year doctoral students who completed modules designed to increase awareness of personal stressors, enhance self-efficacy, and promote the use of coping strategies. Analysis of student reflections across twelve weeks of placement identified the types, frequency, and contexts of strategy use. Students most frequently reported using emotional regulation, breathwork, and positive self-talk. These strategies were typically employed daily or weekly, often …
Early Cerebral Palsy Risk Screening Through Wearable Accelerometry In Infants Under Nine Weeks,
2026
George Fox University
Early Cerebral Palsy Risk Screening Through Wearable Accelerometry In Infants Under Nine Weeks, Ryan Jacobson, Pablo Burgos
Faculty Publications - College of Physical Therapy
The General Movement Assessment (GMA) according to Prechtl’s method has the best predictive value for early detection of Cerebral Palsy (CP) in infants under 5 months of age. However, access to specialists in this assessment is scarce, particularly in lower and middle-income countries. The main objective was to determine the better accelerometric features for distinguishing spontaneous movements of infants with risk factors for CP (RF), and healthy controls (HC), under 9 weeks. We carried out a cross-sectional study. General movements (GMs) were recorded in 48 infants under 9 weeks of age, 12 RF and 36 HC, using an instrumented assessment …
Breathe Before The Exam: A Single-Session Yoga Intervention For Anxiety Reduction In Doctoral Ot Students,
2026
Rush University Medical Center
Breathe Before The Exam: A Single-Session Yoga Intervention For Anxiety Reduction In Doctoral Ot Students, Bridget Hahn, Lamis Alnatafgi, Amanda Barbour, Samantha Benak, Leah Downey, Emily Servin
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
First-year occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students face significant academic stress, yet accessible, evidence-based wellness interventions remain underutilized in graduate occupational therapy education. This study examined the effects of a single pre-exam yoga session on state anxiety and exam performance among first-year OTD students at a Midwestern university. Using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Form Y-1 (STAI-Y1), anxiety was assessed before and after a 60-minute yoga session held immediately prior to a first-term midterm exam. Midterm exam scores were compared to those of a historical control cohort from the preceding academic year; final exam scores were also compared to assess baseline cohort …
Integrating Service-Learning And Student-Led Research: Exploring Its Impact On Occupational Therapy Doctorate Students,
2026
Eastern Kentucky University
Integrating Service-Learning And Student-Led Research: Exploring Its Impact On Occupational Therapy Doctorate Students, Laura Bray, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Shirley P. O'Brien
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
The ability to communicate, critically think, and build confidence in delivering occupational therapy services is essential for occupational therapy students. Service-learning has been found to assist with translating abstract concepts to concrete interactions with real-life situations. A mixed-method pedagogical study was conducted to examine the student experience of leading a research project using service-learning pedagogy and changes in student confidence in their use of occupation. Qualitative themes of Confidence in Occupation; Communication to Build a Partnership; Thinking on Your Feet; and Service-Learning Promotes Growth were revealed. Additionally, student confidence pre-/post-ratings indicated a statistically significant increase in confidence, further supporting qualitative …
Development Of Soft Skills In Occupational Therapy Education: A Faculty Perspective,
2026
Shenandoah University
Development Of Soft Skills In Occupational Therapy Education: A Faculty Perspective, John Adkins, Alysha Skuthan
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Soft skills, such as communication, emotional intelligence, and response to feedback, are critical for the success of occupational therapy students but are often underemphasized in educational standards and curricula. This qualitative study examined how faculty perceived, defined, and facilitated the development of soft skills during the didactic phase of occupational therapy education. Using a phenomenological design, 12 faculty members from accredited occupational therapy programs participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed six themes: Hidden Skills, Incorrect Assumptions, and What’s Trending addressed faculty perceptions, while What’s Developing, What’s On Us, and Why Does It Matter described faculty responsibilities and strategies to …
Using Video Analysis To Support Development Of Therapeutic Use Of Self In Occupational Therapy Education,
2026
Midwestern University, Glendale
Using Video Analysis To Support Development Of Therapeutic Use Of Self In Occupational Therapy Education, Cynthia L. Selim, Katharine A. Ricks
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Despite recognition of the importance of therapeutic use of self, there remains limited research on effective, evidence-informed approaches within occupational therapy education. Video analysis has emerged as a method to enhance students’ critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and observation skills, however, its direct impact on therapeutic use of self has not been examined. This study evaluated the effectiveness of structured video analysis assignments in improving occupational therapy students’ self‑efficacy for therapeutic use of self and explored student perceptions of the learning experience. Two cohorts of first-year occupational therapy students (n=62) participated in a 10-week course based on the Intentional Relationship Model …
Primitive Reflex Integration Training For Occupational Therapy Students In India,
2026
Kids N Fun Therapy Center, Westborough, Massachusetts
Primitive Reflex Integration Training For Occupational Therapy Students In India, Nalini Sripall, Samuel K. Durairaj, Arun Kumar, Suja A. Chandrasekaran
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Primitive Reflex Integration (PRI) is an important intervention for occupational therapists for the treatment of neurological, motor, and sensory processing issues in children. The topic is clinically relevant, yet there is scarce formal education available on the subject for occupational therapists in India. A needs assessment survey was developed and implemented to better understand the knowledge related to PRI of 40 postgraduate occupational therapy students in India. The needs assessment showed that most of the students were aware of PRI but were not consistently using PRI techniques to treat retained primitive reflexes. The participants also noted barriers, such as a …
What Motivates Occupational Therapy Students To Self-Study Anatomy,
2026
University of Toronto, Toronto
What Motivates Occupational Therapy Students To Self-Study Anatomy, Samantha Williams, Athena Kirou-Mauro, Kelly Hennessy, Lexi Davidson, Emily S. Ho
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Informed by self-determination theory, this study examined the motivations and preferred learning styles of entry-level occupational therapy students and explored how their perceived anatomy competency related to their academic performance. To investigate this, ninety-seven occupational therapy students completed a reflective assignment through which they set anatomy self-study learning goals. Self-study learning approaches were categorized, and the relationship between student perceived anatomy competency and academic outcomes (i.e., anatomy quizzes, term grades) was analyzed. When examining self-study learning approaches, students favored computer assisted instructional tools (n = 75, 77%) and integrated clinical application with their learning goals (n = 52, …
Factors Influencing The Access To Activity Resources Of Occupational Therapy Students During Work-Integrated Learning: A South African Perspective,
2026
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Factors Influencing The Access To Activity Resources Of Occupational Therapy Students During Work-Integrated Learning: A South African Perspective, Karin Van Niekerk, Mischa Viviers, Sunike Nel, Thandi Pelebese Takalo, Reitumetse Georgia Mofutsana, Yi-Fang Chen, Carla Faber
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Activities are the backbone of occupational therapy intervention. In order to effectively use activities during Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, occupational therapy students require access to appropriate activity resources. This study explored the factors influencing the access to activity resources of South African occupational therapy students from the University of Pretoria during their undergraduate education and how this potentially affected student learning. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fourteen participants with WIL experience were selected through purposive and quota sampling to ensure diversity in living situations and WIL experience. Data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews and were analyzed thematically. Six …
