Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of
Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada | Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of
Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Susan Mulholland, c/o Department of
Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of
Alberta, 8205 114St, 2-64 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2G4. Tel.: +1
780 492 2499; Fax: +1 780 492 4628; E-mail: susan.mulholland@ualberta.ca
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact and importance of the physical,
social and institutional environments on the outcome of their first fieldwork
experience from the perspectives of occupational therapy (OT) and physical
therapy (PT) students. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty two percent (n=84) of OT and 65% (n=51) of PT
students completed the survey. The majority of students were female, aged
20–25 years, and supervised using a one student to one educator
supervision model. METHODS: A paper survey was mailed to all OT and PT students during
their junior fieldwork placement. Demographic, nominal score data and responses
to closed-ended questions generated descriptive statistics. Qualitative data
resulting from the open-ended questions underwent content analysis. RESULTS: OT and PT students' fieldwork experiences and perceptions
of their environment were remarkably similar, however, OT students indicated
the physical environment (e.g., having a desk, access to a computer) and
orientation (e.g., having a tour) were more important to their impressions of
the placement as positive. CONCLUSIONS: By knowing how the environment impacts the fieldwork
experience for students, stakeholders involved in the fieldwork process are in
a better position to identify and be proactive in making changes to improve
placement quality.
