EVIDENCE-BASED EDUCATION: PROMOTING BEST PRACTICE IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY STUDENTS

Introduction: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a well established concept in occupational therapy. What about evidence-based education (EBE) in an occupational therapy context? Objectives: The objective of the presentation is... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a well established concept in occupational therapy. What about evidence-based education (EBE) in an occupational therapy context?

Objectives: The objective of the presentation is to introduce audience members to the concepts key to EBE. Also, a model of EBE will be proposed framework referred to as the Model of EBE for Health Professional Students (MEBEHPS; Brown © 2014). The presentation will highlight how academic and fieldwork educators can make use of existing education-related research evidence to improve their teaching and clinical supervision of students plus generate learning environments that will promote optimal student education experiences.

Method: The MEBEHPS is in its early phases of development, therefore only preliminary findings of the model will be presented. Face validity and content validity data of the MEBEHPS has been collected and will be presented to audience members.

Findings: Preliminary findings indicate that the MEBEWHPS appears to have acceptable levels of face and content validity. Further empirical examine of the model is required.

Application to Education & Conclusions: Academic and clinical educators face many challenges in the contemporary landscape of health science education. It is imperative that the educational methods and strategies used by allied health educators be underpinned by a sound body of empirical evidence. This presentation will provide an overview of the EBE, review strategies to promote EBE, and pose some potential relevant questions that need to be discussed.