Preparing occupational therapy students for a complex future – an examination form integrating perspectives on evidence with diversity and political and economic factors in society

Background: Today´s society is characterized by diversity and complexity in relation to its cultural, economic and political context. The aim is to present one examination form that prepare students to meet this complexity in... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Today´s society is characterized by diversity and complexity in relation to its cultural, economic and political context. The aim is to present one examination form that prepare students to meet this complexity in their future professional role.

Educational Philosophy:
Problem-based learning (PBL) is the educational philosophy and method which is used at the Occupational therapy programme at Linköping University in order to encourage the student`s development for an independent and life-long learning. PBL includes using student centered learning activities and examination forms that prepare students to meet today´s and tomorrow´s society, characterized by complexity in relation to changes, development, growth and knowledge.

Educational approaches used:
The examination form is part of a course in the last semester at the bachelor level, and includes two phases. The first phase begins during a 9 week clinical placement were the student should develop an occupational therapy program for a defined client group. In the second phase the student should plan and perform a twenty minute individual oral presentation. The presentation should be used to further develop the program related to perspectives on evidence, diversity (for example; gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age), and political and economic factors in society.

Evaluation and Application to practice:
Both course and programme evaluation shows that students perceive this examination form to be closely related to their future professional practice. The examination form prepare students for their professional role as occupational therapists in a complex and ever changeable society.