Interprofessional education for collaborative client centered practice in community settings – occupational therapy students' perspectives of their learning

Interprofessional education in clinical placement for health profession students is a rather new pedagogical approach, particularly in community settings. The purpose of providing interprofessional placement for occupational... [ view full abstract ]

Interprofessional education in clinical placement for health profession students is a rather new pedagogical approach, particularly in community settings. The purpose of providing interprofessional placement for occupational therapy (OT) students is to prepare them for their responsibilities toward clients in community health service. Interprofessional teamwork is viewed as an opportunity for client centered practice, where OT work will play a central part.
An action research study was conducted at UiT the Arctic university of Norway in 2013 – 2015, to create new arenas for interprofessional practice. This paper focuses on how occupational therapy students, in their last year of study, experienced interprofessional collaborative practice in real-life situations. Eight OT students participated in this study as members of interprofessional teams, along with medicine, nursing and physiotherapy students.
Data were collected from both individual and group interviews with occupational therapy students, as well as observations in a field study. The analyze is inspired by the constant comparative method described in grounded theory. Preliminary findings are: 1) Students’ responsibilities towards clients and representing the OT profession. 2) Developing identity as occupational therapists. 3) Awareness of increased ability to contribute in interprofessional teams. 4) Enhanced understanding of other health professions’ focus.
The results can influence OT students in new interprofessional placements, to strengthen their professional identity, as well as understanding other health professionals’ way of thinking. It can also guide educators as to how interprofessional education can further develop as an integrated part of occupational therapy education.