Implementing the Same Site Model in Occupational Therapy Fieldwork: Student and Fieldwork Educator Perspectives

Abstract

The Same Site Model of fieldwork service delivery provides the opportunity for the occupational therapy student to complete their Level I and Level II fieldwork at the same site. Due to limited research on the Same Site Model, a survey study was conducted to explore fieldwork educatorand student perceptions on using the model. A 10-question survey, with 8 Likert questions and 2 open ended questions was designed by 2 Academic Fieldwork Coordinators. A total of 116 surveys were completed by occupational therapy students (N=45) and fieldwork educators (N=71) on their preferenceof the Same Site Model, along with their perceptions of the student’s preparedness, communication skills and ability to interact with clients during their Level II fieldwork. Out of the 116 returned surveys, only 24 indicated having the opportunity to use the Same Site Model. The findings of this current study revealed a moderate positive correlation(r=0.407) at 0.01 level of significance (p<0.05) suggesting that although only 20% of the sample population had experience using the Same Site Model, the majority (83%) of occupational therapy students and fieldwork educators who did participatein the Same Site Model would prefer it again in the future. In addition, although not all respondents felt the Same Site Model should be considered best practice, 50% of all the returned surveys reported that the Same Site Model should at least be considered when placing students.

Keywords

• occupational therapy education
• fieldwork education
• clinical education
• occupational therapy fieldwork models
• same site model