Document Type (Journals)
Original Research
Abstract
The Occupation-Centered Intervention Assessment (OCIA) was created to assist occupational therapy practitioners and students to apply knowledge of the core theoretical constructs of occupation from didactic education to clinical practice. This study investigated how the OCIA influenced students’ professional reasoning and supported students’ transition from academic education to clinical practice during fieldwork. Using an inductive qualitative approach, researchers analyzed master’s level students’ (n=61) reflection on using the OCIA to analyze an intervention they had reported providing during fieldwork. Collaborative data analysis produced 48 initial codes. Ongoing peer briefing led to grouping of coded data into three themes and 15 subthemes, and subsequently into four subthemes. Trustworthiness was established through use of multiple researchers, reflexivity, an audit trail, thick description, and peer briefing. Three major themes emerged: (1) promotion of reflection on practice; (2) support of the student’s developing professional identity; and (3) ease of use of the OCIA. The OCIA serves as a tool to facilitate development of students’ professional reasoning while promoting occupation-centered practice.
Biography
Vanessa D. Jewell, PhD, OTR/L is an associate professor and the Vice Chair of Research and Assessment in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Creighton University.
LouAnn Griswold, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA is an associate professor and Department Chair in the Occupational Therapy Department at the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Griswold is serving as the Interim Associate Dean for the College of Health and Human Services.
Sarah Phillips, OTD, OTR/L was a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate student at Creighton University at the time of this study.
Declaration of Interest
The authors report no declarations of interest.
Recommended Citation
Jewell, V. D., Griswold, L., & Phillips, S. (2021). Supporting the Professional Reasoning of Students from Fieldwork to Practice. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 5 (4). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2021.050412
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