Graduation Year

2019

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

A critical fieldwork shortage exists for the profession of occupational therapy and an evidence gap was found; literature with practitioners who do not provide fieldwork education was missing. The purpose of this capstone project was to identify the barriers that stop some occupational therapy practitioners from providing fieldwork education and what benefits and supports may motivate these same individuals to become fieldwork educators. A quantitative descriptive and correlational study with an online survey design, with 25 closed ended questions was distributed through snowball sampling across the United States. Responses were received from 42 states plus the District of Columbia. There were 493 opened surveys, 465 that responded to at least question one, and 296 were completed from practitioners who did not provide fieldwork education. This capstone adds to the body of OT literature and closes the evidence gap that was identified with practitioners who do not provide fieldwork education. Surprisingly results indicated participants feel professionally ready and are well prepared to provide fieldwork education, yet many have never been asked to do so. AFWCs should find a way to ask more practitioners to provide fieldwork education and promote the benefits of hosting students for placements.

Faculty Mentor

Camille Skubik-Peplaski

Department Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Committee Member

Casey Humphrey

Department Affiliation

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

IRB Approval Number (if applicable)

2121

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