Affiliations: School of Health Sciences, Quinnipiac University,
Hamden, CT, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Kimberly D. Hartmann, Quinnipiac
University, School of Health Sciences, 275 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT
06518, USA. Tel.: +1 203 582 8679; E-mail: Kimberly.Hartmann@quinnipiac.edu
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: Bio-psycho-social model, World Health Organization, foundational support, alumni survey, therapeutic use of self
