Role Emerging Placements in Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Training: A Case Study

Authors

Martin Fitzgerald, University of BradfordFollow
Abigail Kate Smith, Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Nazman Rehman, Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Michelle Taylor, The Rockwell Community Centre

Abstract

Purpose: Role-emerging placements in occupational therapy training are contributing to professional and workforce development because of their strong occupational focus and placement of students in emerging practice. This manuscript explores how one role-emerging placement challenged and developed student theoretical and clinical skills, presented new ways of working at the recipient site, and enhanced service delivery. Methods: The background to role-emerging placements in occupational therapy is explored through the use of a case study which reflects on and analyses how the assessment and treatment of occupation enhanced service delivery at a local, non-traditional site. Eight students in England developed and ran a psycho-education group to support the occupational needs of female service users who have experienced domestic abuse. Results There was an overall increase in self-esteem scores and an expressed increase in knowledge and understanding by participants. Students reported developing a deeper understanding of occupation, and the hosts identified the student’s clinical skills as unique contributors to service delivery. Conclusion: By focusing on occupation, role-emerging placements draw on the roots of the profession and anchor its future to the theoretical foundations of its past. However, in order to employ occupational therapists, these organisations need to understand what the occupational therapy profession can offer them.

Author Bio(s)

Martin Fitzgerald, BA, BSc, MSc, PGCert, FHE is an Occupational Therapy Lecturer at the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire and the Head Occupational Therapist at the Rehabilitation and High Support Directorate, Pennine Care, NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.

Abigail Kate Smith was an occupational therapy student at the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK, from 2012 to 2015. Abigail is now working as an occupational therapist at Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Nazman Rehman was an occupational therapy student at the University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK, from 2012 to 2015. Nazman is now working as an occupational therapist at Bradford Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Michelle Taylor is the Self Help Project Lead at The Rockwell Community Centre in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2017.1617

Recommended Citation

Fitzgerald M, Smith AK, Rehman N, Taylor M. Role Emerging Placements in Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Training: A Case Study. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2017 Jan 01;15(4), Article 7.