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

Jackie Dusing, University of IndianapolisFollow
Lisa Borrero, University of IndianapolisFollow
Elizabeth Horrall Stith, University of IndianapolisFollow
Kristina Watkins, University of IndianapolisFollow

Document Type (Journals)

Original Research

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.

Biography

Jackie Dusing, DHSc, OTR/L: Jackie obtained her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University and completed her DHSc degree from University of Indianapolis in 2024. She has been an Occupational Therapist since 2016 and has experience working in the acute care and inpatient rehab settings. Her current role is Executive Director of Rehab Services for Advocate Health.

Lisa Borrero, PhD, FAGHE: Dr. Lisa Borrero is a Professor of Health and Aging Studies at the University of Indianapolis. She teaches courses in health promotion, qualitative research, and gerontology. Her scholarly pursuits include the qualitative exploration of self-concept among older women, intergenerational connections, and gerontology education.

Elizabeth Horrall Stith, DHSc, OTR/L, BCG: Elizabeth Horrall Stith is an occupational therapist with experience in pediatrics and geriatrics in inpatient, outpatient, acute care, and rehab settings. She also serves as faculty at the University of Indianapolis, teaching research in the Department of Interprofessional Health & Aging Studies.

Kristina Watkins, OTD, MOT, OTR: Kristina Watkins, OTD, MOT, OTR is an assistant professor at the School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Recommended Citation

Dusing, J., Borrero, L., Horrall Stith, E., & Watkins, K. (2025). Perceptions of Occupational Therapy Student Fieldwork Readiness in the Acute Care Setting. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 9 (4). Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol9/iss4/16