The study shares the research findings identifying EBP as a component of evolutionary clinical knowledge and the clinical reasoning process to increase integration of evidence into practice. In conclusion the occupational therapy profession can use these models as a means to target areas for professional development, define professional identity, and advance EBP utilization within the profession, aiding it in achieving its Centennial Vision.
A steady decline in OT's working primarily in mental health care has decreased opportunities for OT students to gain experience in addressing psychological and social concerns. The study evaluates the ways in which psychosocial factors were addressed in Level II fieldwork and what ways student applied therapeutic use of self. The results indicate that students most frequently describe client and caregiver symptoms of anxiety and depression and their empathetic responses. Students reported that therapeutic use of self and using occupations meaningful to the client as tools for addressing psychosocial factors.
The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of facilitators and barriers to learning within OT fieldwork education. The results showed that individual, environmental. educational and institutional facilitators and barriers to learning within the OT fieldwork education were identified. The study suggests that learning within fieldwork education is highly individual and dynamic process that is influenced by numerous factors. FWE who demonstrated professionalism, realistic expectations and passion toward OT were facilitators for a good experience. Barriers included disengagement, a high need for control, closed-mindedness, lack of communication, lack of experience and intimidation. The new information generated by this study has the potential to positively affect the future design and implementation of fieldwork education.
The article examined the use of aides in OT practice, the supervision and training of aides and the practitioners' attitudes toward the use of aides. The results showed that the use of OT aides where 23% have never worked with aides. OT aides perform a variety of tasks and receive various levels of supervision and training. 19% who currently work or have worked with aides reported having been in a situation where an ethical issue arose related to aide use. The conclusion suggests that OT's would benefit from taking a proactive role in determining how aides can be used to maximize delivery while maintaining quality services. There are ethical concerns related to delegation of tasks to aids.
The study examines how a lab experience with patient educators affected reasoning 1 year later during student Level II fieldwork. Instructors need effective strategies to promote clinical reasoning and translation of knowledge from the classroom to practice. The study had hands-on lab experience which impacted clinical reasoning 1 year later after the experience. Results suggested that students have increased self-awareness, confidence, and empathy which contributes to advanced reasoning.
http://ajot.aota.org/article.aspx?articleid=2490905&resultClick=3