scholarly journals Exploring Students’ Experiences in Occupational Therapy Education: A Phenomenological Study of Professional Identity Development

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Ndaa ◽  
Katherine Wimpenny ◽  
Rebecca Khanna ◽  
Simon Goodman ◽  
Ajediran Bello
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Occupational Therapy Education ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students

The existing literature on professional identity enactment and development, subscribes to students’ socializing in a learning environment, where they regularly encounter practicing professionals throughout their education period. However, in most countries with less resourced occupational therapists like Ghana, education in occupational therapy is fraught with inadequate number of same professionals to mentor undergraduate occupational therapy students. The students are thus faced with serious dilemma regarding their professional identity which tends to elicit a bleak perception of their chosen career. The present study was therefore envisaged to interpret and analyse the students’ lived experiences, with the view to capture the process of constructing and developing professional identity. The study focused on purposively sampled group of nine undergraduate occupational therapy students during their practice placement education, and their learning styles on didactic lectures. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was adopted for the study. The students were followed up throughout their four-year study program for data collection, using one-to-one semi-structured interviews each year. With reference to the threshold concepts, transcribed interview data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological procedures. The study established a transformational development of professional identity from the novice stage into graduate professionals, amidst complex interaction of co-constructed themes which included: personal knowing, professional knowing and experiential knowing.

scholarly journals The Importance of the Community of Practice in Identity Development

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janis Davis
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Professional Relationships ◽  
Professional Identity Development ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Practice Methods ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine what processes facilitate, temper, or impede occupational therapy identity development in a community of practice. Methods: A multiple case design organized data collected from five in-depth interviews with occupational therapy students on level II fieldwork. A cross-case analysis was used to arrive at multiple case themes. Results: Themes emerged as responses to participation in a community of practice: a) professional relationships; b) supervision types; and c) responsibility for professional identity development. Results suggest that communities of practice have unique characteristics that either inhibit students from adopting professional identity or draw them closer to the center of the profession. Conclusions: Responsibility for professional identity development lies with both student and community of practice. These findings suggest attention must be paid to the quality of the community of practice if students are to experience a successful trajectory into the profession of occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy international undergraduate students’ perspectives on the purpose of practice education and what contributes to successful practice learning experiences

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 367-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aislinn Lalor ◽  
Mong-Lin Yu ◽  
Ted Brown ◽  
Laura Thyer
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Communication Skills ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Occupational Therapy Education ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Therapy Education ◽  
Practice Education

Introduction Practice placements (also referred to as fieldwork) are a significant component of occupational therapy education. For international students enrolled in occupational therapy education programmes outside their own country, completing practice placements can be challenging. There is scarce literature that examines the perspectives of international students undertaking practice placements. The study’s aim was to understand international students’ perceptions, what they believe to be the purpose of practice placements and what attributes contribute to successful practice education. Method Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were used to elicit the perspectives of seven fourth-year international undergraduate occupational therapy students enrolled at an Australian university. Results Thematic analysis identified two key themes: ‘the purpose of practice placements’ (sub-themes: translating knowledge into practice, adapting to real life experiences and building our communication skills), and ‘a successful practice placement’ (sub-themes: the environment, the clinical educator and my responsibilities). Conclusion Findings identified what international occupational therapy students believed to contribute to a positive and quality practice placement. All students valued the opportunities that practice education afforded, including developing communication skills and integrating theory into practice. These findings will assist academic and practice educators in the delivery of high quality practice education placement learning experiences for international students.

Evolution of professional identity in Iranian occupational therapy students and new graduates: A comparative study

2021 ◽  
pp. 030802262110177
Author(s):  
Seyed Alireza Derakhshanrad ◽  
Emily F Piven ◽  
Bahareh Zeynalzadeh Ghoochani
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Qualitative Inquiry ◽  
Professional Attitudes ◽  
Future Career ◽  
New Graduates ◽  
Professional Attitude ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Over Time

Introduction The development of professional attitude evolves over time and contributes to the formation of professional identity. This study tracked formation of professional identity by comparing professional attitudes of three cohorts: new graduates, final-year, and first-year students of occupational therapy. Method The online survey, including a 5-point Likert scale 17-item questionnaire and one qualitative inquiry using an incomplete statement, revealed the perception and future career prospects of 144 novice practitioners and students of occupational therapy. Written statements were compared to each other to provide insight about the participants’ perspectives during the three time periods. Findings One-way ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences in professional attitudes among the three cohorts (F (2, 141) = 14.32, p < 0.0001), demonstrating a downward trend in professional identity formation. The comparison analysis of statements confirmed the quantitative results and highlighted an issue of negative professional identity through indicating great concerns over the future career prospects. Conclusion Despite increased awareness of occupational therapy over time, these participants seemed to have had trouble developing a sound sense of professional identity. Possible sources and solutions for this issue were discussed, to better facilitate a clear sense of professional identity in occupational therapy students and practitioners.

scholarly journals The meaning that undergraduate Occupational Therapy students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal attach to the Occupation of dance

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thanalutchmy Lingah ◽  
Juwairiyya Paruk
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Occupational Engagement ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Occupational Engagement is an inextricable component of life and is considered essential to human survival. Doing an occupation that is positively perceived (such as dance) can lead to the experience and expression of meaning which then enhances quality of life. This study aimed to explore the meaning that undergraduate Occupational Therapy students studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal attach to dance as an occupation METHOD: The study followed an exploratory qualitative research design with purposive sampling. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were utilized to collect data which were analysed thematically RESULTS: Five themes emerged: Centre stage (an exploration of factors motivating engagement); On Pointe (beneficial effects of dance); My Solo Dance Experience (the individual's journey whilst engaging); It Takes 2 to Tango (exploring the role of relationships) & Dancing to the Beat (exploring time available for engagement). The hidden complexities of 'meanings' attached to the occupation of dance emerged which were experienced as subjective and multi-dimensional CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the meanings attached to dance were based on individual experiences with the occupation, others and the environment. Engagement in the occupation of dance (doing) enhances personal growth (becoming) and becomes a part of the individual (being Keywords: doing; being; becoming; belonging; occupational engagement; occupational balance; occupation; dance; meaning

Professional transition and identity formation of surgical care practitioners: a phenomenological interpretation of their lived experiences

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 229-239
Author(s):  
Carolina Britton ◽  
R Di Napoli
Keyword(s):  
Professional Identity ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Surgical Care ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Hero's Journey ◽  
Professional Identity Formation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Identity Narratives ◽  
Professional Transition

Surgical care practitioners are non-medical members of the surgical team, who provide direct surgical care to patients, delegated by consultant surgeons. The surgical care practitioners’ professional role is within the new non-medical or nursing workstream, practising under the medical model of care in response to staff shortages and the rising expectations that are affecting the National Health Service. This article seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon of the emergent professional identity of surgical care practitioners. Six surgical care practitioners were purposively sampled for in-depth, semi-structured interviews whereupon their concepts of professional transition and professional identity formation from their individual points of view were explored using a phenomenological approach. Transcripts and reflective texts were subject to repeated interpretation in a hermeneutic circle of understanding. Interpretation of the results in context allowed for a discussion informed by self-interpreted constructions and revolved around eight cluster themes that emerged explicating how surgical care practitioners experienced professional transition and professional identity formation. In addition, a notion of ‘journey’ in the development of professional identity (narratives about professional identity formation: the hero’s journey) was embedded in the reflections of the participants and their narratives produced rich accounts of the phenomenon under investigation.

scholarly journals The Influence of Media on Students’ Views Regarding Refugeehood in Turkey: A Phenomenological Study of Seventh-Grade Students

SAGE Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824402091459
Author(s):  
Yusuf Keskin ◽  
Sevgi Coşkun Keskin ◽  
Deniz Yüceer
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Seventh Grade ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
The Media ◽  
Convenience Sampling ◽  
Children’S Views ◽  
Selection Of

In Turkey today, one of the most frequently mentioned issues in the media is the influx of refugees, mostly from Syria. While most refugees are attempting to reach Europe by crossing through Turkey illegally, some consider Turkey an asylum center. This study used a phenomenological approach and qualitative experiment to determine how the phenomenon of refugeehood discussed in the media in Turkey affects children’s views on the issue. The sample was determined using the convenience sampling method, and 31 seventh-grade students (18 girls and 13 boys, all aged 14 years old) were selected. “Having previously met refugees” was used as a basic criterion in the selection of students, while classroom activities, letters, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Descriptive and content analyses revealed that there were both positive and negative changes in students’ views regarding refugees, depending on the content of the news in the media, which was an important factor in influencing these changes.

scholarly journals Midwives’ perceptions of being ‘with woman’: a phenomenological study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Bradfield ◽  
Yvonne Hauck ◽  
Ravani Duggan ◽  
Michelle Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Professional Identity ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Descriptive Phenomenology ◽  
Midwifery Practice ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Care Models ◽  
Development Of Language ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Expert Commentary

Abstract Background Being ‘with woman’ is a central construct of the midwifery profession however, minimal research has been undertaken to explore the phenomenon from the perspective of midwives. The aim of this study was to describe Western Australian midwives’ perceptions of the phenomenon of being ‘with woman’ during the intrapartum period. Methods Descriptive phenomenology was selected as the methodology for this study. Thirty one midwives working across a variety of care models participated in individual interviews. Giorgi’s four stage phenomenological approach was employed to analyse data. Results Three themes were extracted 1) Essential to professional identity; 2) Partnership with women; and 3) Woman-Centred Practice. Midwives described the importance of being ‘with woman’ to the work and identification of midwifery practice. Developing a connection with the woman and providing woman-centred care inclusive of the woman’s support people was highlighted. Conclusions For the first time, we are able to offer evidence of how midwives understand and perceive the phenomenon of being ‘with woman’ which has theoretical and practical utility. Findings from this study provide evidence that supports expert commentary and confirms that midwives conceptualise the phenomenon of being ‘with woman’ as essential to the identity and practice of the profession. Some previously identified ‘good midwifery practices’ were revealed as practical manifestations of the phenomenon. This new knowledge facilitates clarity and provides evidence to support statements of professional identity, which is useful for the development of educational curricula as well as supporting graduate and professional midwives. The findings emphasise the importance of the development of language around this important philosophical construct which permeates midwifery practice, enhances professional agency and supports the continued emphasis of being ‘with woman’ with new understanding of its applied practices in a variety of care models.

scholarly journals Apprehension and interest

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Linnane ◽  
Alison Warren
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapy Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Republic Of Ireland ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Time Basis ◽  
Therapy Education

Purpose Role-emerging placements have been used internationally within occupational therapy education but are relatively new to Ireland. At times, there has been a debate in the profession regarding the use of this placement model. This paper aims to generate views from both occupational therapists and occupational therapy students on the use of role-emerging placements in the Republic of Ireland. Design/methodology/approach Electronic surveys were administered to occupational therapy students and occupational therapists in Ireland. Quantitative data were analysed using the SPSS Statistics software package and the content of the open question responses were analysed into themes. Findings Occupational therapists (n = 60) and occupational therapy students (n = 45) indicated that there were inconsistent views surrounding role-emerging placements. It is deemed as an effective method for student learning, but apprehension exists around inclusion within occupational therapy programmes in the Republic of Ireland. Preference was indicated towards inclusion of role-emerging placements on a part-time basis within formal occupational therapy education. Originality/value Both respondent groups viewed that role-emerging placements can positively influence new areas of occupational therapy practice and concern over the use of the placement model requires further exploration and debate. This study is from an Irish context, although there are similarities with other countries’ use of the placement model. There is a need for research through an in-depth exploration of the learning experience of undertaking role-emerging placements from the students’ perspective and identification of supports required to promote an optimal learning experience.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document