Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Perceptions of Critical Factors Related to Positive Experiences during Level II Fieldwork Education
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-9-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
12-9-2018 12:00 PM
Description
Background: Current literature examines how student preparedness, personality types and educational environments potentially affect fieldwork.
Objective: To investigate the perceptions of students regarding detailed critical factors that lead to a successful level II fieldwork.
Participants: A convenience sample of 39 students at Nova Southeastern University’s entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (NSU OTD) program.
Methods: A 20-question survey was administered to NSU OTD students following the conclusion of their first or second level II fieldworks. Inclusion criteria for survey participation included being a registered NSU OTD Tampa student, having completed at least one level II fieldwork and being in the cohort graduating classes of 2017 or 2018.
Results: Three quantitative factors were identified that influenced a positive fieldwork experience including: similar personality type, communication, and the need for constructive criticism. Qualitative data revealed two critical factors that lead to a successful fieldwork: open communication with constructive criticism and open communication with a positively challenging relationship.
Discussion: Student perceptions revealed how important open communication is when fostering a collaborative and positively challenging relationship with their fieldwork educator.
Conclusion: Occupational therapy (OT) students are the future of the OT profession. Students experiencing a successful level II fieldwork in which their clinical skills can flourish need to be considered a critical factor in every OT program.
Recommended Citation
Decker, T. J., O'Connell, D., & Stallard, A. (2018), Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Perceptions of Critical Factors Related to Positive Experiences during Level II Fieldwork Education, Presentation, Fourth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/fourth/events/4
Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Perceptions of Critical Factors Related to Positive Experiences during Level II Fieldwork Education
Background: Current literature examines how student preparedness, personality types and educational environments potentially affect fieldwork.
Objective: To investigate the perceptions of students regarding detailed critical factors that lead to a successful level II fieldwork.
Participants: A convenience sample of 39 students at Nova Southeastern University’s entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (NSU OTD) program.
Methods: A 20-question survey was administered to NSU OTD students following the conclusion of their first or second level II fieldworks. Inclusion criteria for survey participation included being a registered NSU OTD Tampa student, having completed at least one level II fieldwork and being in the cohort graduating classes of 2017 or 2018.
Results: Three quantitative factors were identified that influenced a positive fieldwork experience including: similar personality type, communication, and the need for constructive criticism. Qualitative data revealed two critical factors that lead to a successful fieldwork: open communication with constructive criticism and open communication with a positively challenging relationship.
Discussion: Student perceptions revealed how important open communication is when fostering a collaborative and positively challenging relationship with their fieldwork educator.
Conclusion: Occupational therapy (OT) students are the future of the OT profession. Students experiencing a successful level II fieldwork in which their clinical skills can flourish need to be considered a critical factor in every OT program.