Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This case study describes and reports one university's occupational therapy (OT) curriculum design regarding the utilization of clinical fieldwork level II experiences to promote mental health as a core to the education of occupational therapists.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Graduates (190) of a Connecticut University were queried through a survey to determine the influence of OT fieldwork level II on student development of knowledge pertaining to psychological and social aspects of mental health. The respondents also provided feedback on the efficacy of such an experience in preparing for practice across all practice settings.
RESULTS: Quantitative and qualitative themes indicate that University alumni recognize significant educational benefits acquired through the experience of a mental health/psychological-social fieldwork level II experience.
CONCLUSIONS: Mental health concepts as represented by psychological and social aspects are embedded in all domains of occupational therapy. Beginning with its strong foundational influence to the profession, there has been of late, a recent resurgence of knowledge and practice implications as noted by various official professional publications. The major finding of the study was that graduates indicated that a clinical experience in mental health did contribute significantly to their holistic practice skills. Recognizing the potential benefits of a psychosocial fieldwork level II experience with new, accentuated methods for student learning, may foster the development of mental health skills for utilization across all practice settings.
Keywords
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.