Recognizing Excellence: Key Traits, Qualities, And Behaviors Of The Exceptional Fieldwork Educator In Occupational Therapy,
2026
Rush University
Recognizing Excellence: Key Traits, Qualities, And Behaviors Of The Exceptional Fieldwork Educator In Occupational Therapy, Piper Hansen, Lydia H. Schallenberg, Jayde M. Kahn, Jacqueline Rizzi, Ariel Torres
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
All students of occupational therapy enrolled in accredited programs are required to complete Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences. A critical factor in shaping successful fieldwork experiences is the fieldwork educator, who guides clinical learning, models professional behaviors, and supports skill development for practice readiness. Despite the importance of the fieldwork experience, the fieldwork educator, and the impact of the supervisory relationship, there is limited understanding of the unique attributes and strategies that distinguish exceptional occupational therapy fieldwork educators. This study sought to investigate the key traits, qualities, and behaviors of the exceptional fieldwork educator in occupational therapy and …
Scholarship Of Knowledge Discovery In Occupational Therapy Practice Model (Spot-M),
2026
Nova Southeastern University
Scholarship Of Knowledge Discovery In Occupational Therapy Practice Model (Spot-M), Nicole R. Quint, Penelope Cleveland
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
The Scholarship of Knowledge Discovery in Occupational Therapy Practice model guides occupational therapists, especially those with professional doctorates, in conducting practice scholarship and informing capstone projects. This model shifts the capstone from an academic experience to meaningful practice scholarship, like the dissertation’s role in scientific inquiry. The model highlights collaboration across research, practice, and education, while describing the practice scholars’ unique contributions. As evidence-based practice, implementation science, and healthcare complexity evolve, the importance of practice scholars has grown. The expertise of occupational therapists as practice scholars is pivotal for translating research findings into real-world, often unpredictable contexts; and practice scholarship …
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 …
Enhancing Occupational Therapy Students' Knowledge Of Menstrual Health: A Quantitative Pilot Study,
2026
Moravian University
Enhancing Occupational Therapy Students' Knowledge Of Menstrual Health: A Quantitative Pilot Study, Glynnis Jones, Skylar Edwards, Allison Bressette, Emilie Wright, Michelle Hiller
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
This study examined preliminary effects of a targeted learning module on occupational therapy students’ knowledge and perceived understanding of the profession’s role in menstrual health. Although menstrual health is a universal biological process, it remains underrepresented in occupational therapy curricula. Guided by occupational justice theory, this project aimed to enhance awareness within professional education to promote equity. A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest design assessed changes following completion of a self-paced online module. Fourteen second-year students from accredited occupational therapy programs participated. Subjects completed pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessments and the Menstrual Health Understanding Questionnaire (MHUQ), a 5-point Likert scale measuring perceived understanding …
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, …
Integrating Fieldwork Educators Into Didactic Coursework: Impact On Occupational Therapy Students’ Readiness For Level Ii Fieldwork,
2026
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Integrating Fieldwork Educators Into Didactic Coursework: Impact On Occupational Therapy Students’ Readiness For Level Ii Fieldwork, Tara Mansour, Victoria Denovellis
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Level II fieldwork represents a critical transition from didactic learning to clinical practice in occupational therapy education, yet students frequently report challenges related to applying knowledge, managing expectations, and navigating complex clinical environments. Many of these challenges reflect aspects of the “hidden curriculum,” including implicit expectations related to communication, professional behaviors, and feedback that are often not explicitly addressed in coursework. This study examined the impact of integrating fieldwork educator–led sessions into a didactic seminar to support student readiness. A mixed-methods survey using a retrospective pre–post design was administered to 33 students (97% response rate). Quantitative analyses demonstrated significant improvements …
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 …
Assessment Of Level Ii Fieldwork Performance (Alf): Development And Refinement Of A Level Ii Assessment Tool For Use In Occupational Therapy Curricula,
2026
St. Bonaventure University
Assessment Of Level Ii Fieldwork Performance (Alf): Development And Refinement Of A Level Ii Assessment Tool For Use In Occupational Therapy Curricula, Suzanne Marasco, Karen Weis, Zachary A. Myers
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
The Assessment of Level II Fieldwork Performance (ALF) is a new tool developed for use in occupational therapy programs to evaluate students’ performance during Level II fieldwork. The present study reports on the development of the ALF and revisions of the tool based on two rounds of expert review utilizing a modified Delphi methodology. An expert panel of sixteen occupational therapists who had previously utilized the tool while serving as fieldwork educators was recruited to review the ALF and complete online surveys related to the tool’s content, pragmatics, and clinical value. Based on expert consensus, the ALF was modified and …
Predictors Of Academic Success, Fieldwork Performance, And Licensure Examination Outcomes In Occupational Therapy Students: A Scoping Review,
2026
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Predictors Of Academic Success, Fieldwork Performance, And Licensure Examination Outcomes In Occupational Therapy Students: A Scoping Review, Sabina Khan, Leila Gojraty, Karen Park, Lesley Khan-Farooqi, Rayya Ibrahim-Muzaffarr, Sade Harris, Janay Jones, Llonique Jackson, Christianah Edema
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Declining first-attempt National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy pass rates and concerns regarding student retention underscore the need to identify factors associated with occupational therapy student success. This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on predictors of academic success, fieldwork performance, and licensure examination outcomes in occupational therapy programs. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and OTSeeker were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between January 2016 and January 2026. Empirical studies examining predictors of occupational therapy student outcomes were included. Predictors were mapped using Astin’s Input-Environment-Output model and grouped into subthemes. Of 3,402 records, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. …
Evaluating A Global Occupational Therapy Telementoring Program: An 18-Month Pre–Post Analysis Of Ot Echo,
2026
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Evaluating A Global Occupational Therapy Telementoring Program: An 18-Month Pre–Post Analysis Of Ot Echo, Sarah Mckinnon, Kate Barlow, Kelsey Sullivan, John Wong
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Global inequities in access to mentorship and continuing professional development limit workforce growth and clinical capacity in occupational therapy. OT ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), an international telementoring and professional development program utilizing the Project ECHO model, was developed to provide accessible, case-based professional development to occupational therapists worldwide. This study employed a repeated-measures pre–post evaluation design across 18 monthly OT ECHO sessions conducted between December 2023 and June 2025. Each session included a brief didactic presentation, case-based discussion, and facilitated small-group breakout sessions. Participants completed pre- and post-session knowledge assessments consisting of three to four multiple-choice questions aligned …
Exploring And Enhancing The Accommodations Process For Disabled Students In Occupational Therapy Education: An Action Research Study,
2026
University of Washington
Exploring And Enhancing The Accommodations Process For Disabled Students In Occupational Therapy Education: An Action Research Study, Danbi Lee, Emma Gregg, Keri Degroot
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
The study aimed to explore barriers and supports to the accommodations process for disabled occupational therapy students from the perspectives of disability resource professionals, faculty, and students; identify actionable recommendations; and implement actions to better support students with disabilities. This action research study, guided by the Look-Think-Act Action model, recruited students, faculty, and staff from one Master of Occupational Therapy program. Focus groups, individual interviews, and a priority survey were conducted. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Action steps were discussed in the action planning group and the research team implemented feasible recommendations. Twenty-four students, disability resources professionals, and faculty …
Disability Accommodation Implementation Within Occupational Therapy Academia: A National Descriptive Survey On Knowledge, Training, And Attitudes,
2026
University of Minnesota
Disability Accommodation Implementation Within Occupational Therapy Academia: A National Descriptive Survey On Knowledge, Training, And Attitudes, Nicole Pawek, Julie Olson Rand, Rebecca Ozelie, Hannah Y. Oldenburg
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs are accredited health professional programs that have, anecdotally, seen an increase in requested disability accommodations among students over the last decade. There is limited knowledge regarding faculty preparedness, available resources, and attitudes related to implementing accommodations in accredited occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant programs located in the United States. Researchers aimed to describe faculty knowledge and experience with disability accommodation implementation, as well as identify available training and resources related to accommodation implementation and faculty attitudes toward the accommodation implementation process. Researchers used the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) …
Interprofessional Simulation Improves Confidence For Fieldwork In Acute Care Settings,
2026
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Interprofessional Simulation Improves Confidence For Fieldwork In Acute Care Settings, Valley Mccurry, Tara S. Pearce, Chris Eidson, Patricia Perez
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Preparing occupational therapy students for fieldwork in acute care settings presents logistical and educational challenges, and students often report limited confidence in their readiness for this environment. Simulation-based learning is a safe, structured approach for developing clinical reasoning, communication, and teamwork skills prior to Level II fieldwork. This study examined the impact of an extended time, multiple patient interprofessional acute care simulation. Students rotated through a series of increasingly complex patient cases across multiple units in a simulated acute care hospital, interacting with authentic and simulated hospital equipment, a simulated electronic health record, and structured debriefing. Three independent cohorts of …
The Editors' Perspective: A New Era For Jote,
2026
Eastern Kentucky University
The Editors' Perspective: A New Era For Jote, Dana M. Howell, Renee Causey-Upton, Cynthia L. Hayden
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
No abstract provided.
Boosting Visibility And Engagement: How Social Media Transforms Recruitment For A Doctorate-Level Occupational Therapy Program,
2026
Rush University
Boosting Visibility And Engagement: How Social Media Transforms Recruitment For A Doctorate-Level Occupational Therapy Program, Rebecca Ozelie, Ashley Hong, Rachel Lowenthal, Ava M. Robinson, Grace Steffen
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Social media use has become an essential strategy for university recruitment and admissions to attract prospective students and influence their graduate school acceptance decisions. Platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook play a significant role in shaping students’ perceptions and research about universities. While other allied health professions have benefited from increased social media use for recruitment, the impact on occupational therapy programs remains underexplored. Research indicates that social media advertising strategies can enhance program visibility and outreach, yet systemic barriers, financial challenges, and post-coronavirus disease enrollment declines continue to affect admissions. This study examines the influence of social media …
Perceived Applicant Experiences Applying To Hybrid Doctor Of Occupational Therapy Programs,
2026
Bowling Green State University
Perceived Applicant Experiences Applying To Hybrid Doctor Of Occupational Therapy Programs, Jackson M. Miller, Melissa Yeung, Jason Hughes, Noah Zebrak
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Hybrid Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) programs have expanded rapidly across the United States, yet little is known about how applicants experience the admissions process or what influences their decisions to apply and enroll. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore enrolled students’ retrospective accounts of applying to hybrid OTD programs, with particular attention to the factors influencing their decision-making, the support systems they relied upon throughout the admissions process, and the barriers they encountered. Eight students enrolled in hybrid OTD programs across the United States participated in semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom. Interview transcripts were member …
