Occupational Therapy education in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic, service learning at home?

Together with the Academic Medical Centre (University of Amsterdam), the Amsterdam School of Health Professions, started an outpatient rehabilitation clinic in 2011. Occupational therapy, Physical Therapy, Exercise therapy and... [ view full abstract ]

Together with the Academic Medical Centre (University of Amsterdam), the Amsterdam School of Health Professions, started an outpatient rehabilitation clinic in 2011. Occupational therapy, Physical Therapy, Exercise therapy and Nursing teachers, researchers and students work together in this outpatient clinic. The clinic is positioned in the university and not in the hospital. The main goal is the early experience of students with “real”clients, the possibilities of collaboration between researchers, students and teachers. Students will gain an early experience in working with patients (interview, assessment) and clinical lessons (teacher-occupational therapist, patient and a large group of students), participate in interprofessional (research) projects and bachelor thesis.
Examples of projects: 8 session programme with a focus on selfmanagement and return to work for clients with cardiac problems, an energy conservation programme for clients with cardiac problems, an e-health intervention programme for self management and IADL for patients with cardiac problems.
The model in which students collaborate is a service learning model. The current patient group in the out patient rehabilitation are patients with cardiac problems. The interprofessional approach of the therapists working with this group is an example for the students in learning interprofessional communication and interprofessional collaboration.
Future plans: first year students of all educations will work together as hosts in the outpatient clinic This will increase awareness in students about their own profession and in the professions of their future collegues.