This article focused on determining the trend of practicing Occupational therapists that utilize research to form their evidence-based practice. The article mentions how this is a vital component to a medically-based profession. To examine this question a two page survey was sent out across the country to occupational therapists across various clinical settings. The results demonstrated that the majority of practitioners have access to the relevant information required for evidenced-based practice, whether through online journals or seminars. Also, the data illustrated the higher rates of accessing information correlated positively with higher academic degrees attained. Barriers found to the implementation of such practice included cost of attending such courses as well as lack of convenience accessing online databases. Ultimately, it seems that lack of time appeared to be the greatest barrier to pursuing and attaining such information. Overall, I feel the results demonstrate the change in culture that is occurring within the profession. However, if this change is to become permanent we as the future of the profession must continue to push this ideal forward and assist the profession into the coming years.

This blog discusses the importance of appropriate OT interventions in children and adolescents with psychosocial and mental health needs. The blog itself is by an OT who has experience of over 20 years in the field. The main point is that currently the profession does not have correct measures or appropriate and encompassing treatments for these children with conditions that only compound as they mature throughout school. The author argues that if we as a profession do not become more adept at this we will continue to provide ineffective treatment addressing the psychosocial needs of such a population. Also, the author points out that if the profession is unable to distinguish itself, we may be left out of this area of practice in the future. I found the point very interesting and definitely worth consideration even if one does not plan on practicing in a pediatric setting.

This article examined what questions and clinical reasoning seasoned allied health professionals ask when posed with a challenging case. Clinical reasoning is crucial as a health care professional and the interesting aspect of this research was to determine how clinicians teach this valuable skill to students. The data illustrated that the popular method was a gradual exposure of clients and self reflection. Additionally, the study identifies and outlines various questions that students can ask themselves when dealing with a client. I really enjoyed this because I feel that these are the two methods that I have most employed in my development of clinical reasoning. I feel that the information in this article can be a great resource us as students, especially when we are dealing with a particularly difficult case.

This article examines the longitudinal effects that a specific OT and PT program within a specific university affect ethical decision-making in their students. The study examined two classes of students and administered the Defining Issues Test (DIT) which according to the article is suppose to be a fairly valid measure. The test was administered on the first day of class and then in the final semester of the students coursework. The results found that the formation of ethics can be a difficult process. The study states that age is a huge factor in this process. Students over 30 years old appear to have formed and be set in their own ethical decision making process. Also, the study found that with at least this program, the students were not provided with enough coursework and instruction in ethical decision-making. The authors suggest that programs provide three to twelve weeks of instruction on ethics as opposed to the typical intermittent instruction throughout coursework. Overall, I found this to be interesting to consider. Overall, I feel that the program is set-up really well. However, I must admit that I would be curious if we had a course that was specifically aimed at ethics. Perhaps this will occur when the program moves to a doctorate degree.

This study examines how structured activities assist medically-students learn professionalism. According to the article, professionalism is made up of parameters, behaviors and responsibilities. Also, the article points out that we as future health professionals should be able to coordinate, collaborate and communicate in interdisciplinary teams to make decisions. The study itself involved recruiting students across various health-related disciplines and providing them with an orientation and clinical experience with another discipline. After the completion of these activities the students were provided with a survey to rank the effect that the experiences had on their level of professionalism. Overall, the study found that such experiences were beneficial to the development of a greater sense of professionalism. However, the study also found that the logistics of coordinating such activities was a huge barrier. I really enjoyed the study despite the fact that Occupational Therapy was not included. I feel that this would be a great idea for future classes to do at Shawnee if possible.