Preparing occupational therapy and physiotherapy students for work-related practice : A clinical education initiative at one australian university

Journal article


Adam, Kerry, Strong, Jenny and Chipchase, Lucinda. (2013). Preparing occupational therapy and physiotherapy students for work-related practice : A clinical education initiative at one australian university. The Internet Iournal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 11(1), pp. 1 - 9.
AuthorsAdam, Kerry, Strong, Jenny and Chipchase, Lucinda
Abstract

Purpose: Despite increasing numbers of novice occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) entering work-related practice since the early 2000s, clinical learning opportunities are often limited due to legal and insurance issues. In response, clinical educators at The University of Queensland, Australia, developed an industry consultancy service to provide clinical learning for students in this field. Students delivered injury prevention services with supervision from experienced educators. This paper describes the program and an evaluation of student learning. Method: Twenty-six students (10 OTs and 16 PTs) participated voluntarily in an evaluation of the program during 2008 and 2009. Surveys pre and post-placement included open and closed questions that sought students’ knowledge of work-related practice and perceptions of practitioner roles. Knowledge was assessed with 20 questions on work-related practice. Differences in knowledge before and after the placement were analysed with non-parametric statistics. Open ended responses were subject to manual thematic analysis. Results: Students demonstrated a good understanding of the roles and tasks undertaken by practitioners in this field pre-placement. Their knowledge of work-related practice significantly increased following the placement (p < 0.05). Half of the students reported that their expectations for the placement had been met. Open ended responses provided students’ perceptions of the program, both positive and negative. Conclusions: This clinical learning experience in work-related practice for OT and PT students provided a novel practical experience. Students demonstrated a good understanding of professional roles in the field and post-placement increased their understanding of work-related practice. The model provided a valuable method that ensures OT and PT students experienced work-related practice prior to graduation.

Year2013
JournalThe Internet Iournal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice
Journal citation11 (1), pp. 1 - 9
ISSN1540-580X
Web address (URL)http://nsuworks.nova.edu/ijahsp/vol11/iss1/4/
Page range1 - 9
Research GroupSchool of Allied Health
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Permalink -

https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8q93x/preparing-occupational-therapy-and-physiotherapy-students-for-work-related-practice-a-clinical-education-initiative-at-one-australian-university

Restricted files

Publisher's version

  • 93
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 3
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month
These values are for the period from 19th October 2020, when this repository was created.

Export as

Related outputs

Readiness for work injury management and prevention : Important attributes for early graduate occupational therapists and physiotherapists
Adam, Kerry, Strong, Jenny and Chipchase, Lucinda. (2014). Readiness for work injury management and prevention : Important attributes for early graduate occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Work. 48(4), pp. 567 - 578. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-141912
Leading physiotherapists promote occupational health as a rewarding practice area
Adam, Kerry. (2014). Leading physiotherapists promote occupational health as a rewarding practice area. Physical Therapy Reviews. 19(2), pp. 143 - 144. https://doi.org/10.1179/1743288X13Y.0000000122
Knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required by occupational therapist and physiotherapist beginning practitioners in work-related practice : A systematic review
Adam, Kerry, Peters, Susan and Chipchase, Lucy. (2013). Knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required by occupational therapist and physiotherapist beginning practitioners in work-related practice : A systematic review. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 60(2), pp. 76 - 84. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12006
Foundations for work-related practice : Occupational therapy and physiotherapy entry-level curricula
Adam, Kerry, Strong, Jenny and Chipchase, Lucy. (2013). Foundations for work-related practice : Occupational therapy and physiotherapy entry-level curricula. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. 20(2), pp. 91 - 100.
Preparing novice occupational therapists and physiotherapists for work-related practice : What attributes are required?
Adam, Kerry, Strong, Jenny, Gibson, Elizabeth, Lyle, Alexandra and Chipchase, Lucinda. (2012). Preparing novice occupational therapists and physiotherapists for work-related practice : What attributes are required? Journal of Health, Safety and Environment. 28(2), pp. 1 - 11.
Knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed for occupational therapists and physiotherapists new to work-related practice
Adam, Kerry, Gibson, Elizabeth, Strong, Jenny and Lyle, Alexandra. (2011). Knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed for occupational therapists and physiotherapists new to work-related practice. Work. 38(4), pp. 309 - 318. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-2011-1134
Role of research in occupational therapy clinical practice: Applying action learning and action research in pursuit of evidence-based practice
Adam, Kerry, du Toit, sanet and Wilkinson, Annette. (2010). Role of research in occupational therapy clinical practice: Applying action learning and action research in pursuit of evidence-based practice. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 57(5), pp. 318 - 330. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00851.x