Perceptions of Occupational Therapy Student Fieldwork Readiness in the Acute Care Setting

Abstract

Occupational therapy student readiness for Level II fieldwork is necessary for preparing novice clinicians and is challenging to assess, as it requires applying didactic knowledge in real-world clinical settings. There is currently a gap in the literature regarding student perceptions of their readiness for Level II fieldwork, especially in the acute care setting. The aim of this qualitative study is to better understand Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) students’ perceptions of readiness for Level II fieldwork in an acute care setting. This basic interpretive qualitative research study utilized a purposeful sampling with students completing their Level II fieldwork in various acute care hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually and audio recorded. Transcripts were de-identified, transcribed, coded, re-coded, and themes categorized. Information power was achieved after 11 participants were interviewed for this study. Themes that emerged from the analysis were: (1) didactic knowledge translation, (2) complexity of acute care occupational therapy, and (3) collaboration and therapeutic use of self in fieldwork. There is an opportunity to have more focused acute care education and practical hands-on skills training needed to perform occupational therapy services in this setting. Additionally, collaboration with acute care Level II fieldwork settings will help facilitate the application of this specialized education and skills