Ann Edwards

Increasing the occupational therapy mental health workforce through innovative practice education: A pilot project

AIM This paper describes the evaluation of a pilot trial of two innovative placement models in the area of mental health, namely role emerging and collaborative supervision. The Queensland Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Collaborative conducted this trial in response to workforce shortages in mental health. METHOD Six occupational therapy students and eight practice educators were surveyed pre- and post-placements regarding implementation of these innovative models. RESULTS Students participating in these placements reported that they were highly likely to work in mental health upon graduation, and practice educators were positive about undertaking innovative placements in future. An overview of the placement sites, trials, outcomes and limitations of this pilot trial is provided. CONCLUSION Though limited by its small sample size, this pilot trial has demonstrated the potential of innovative placement models to provide valuable student learning experiences in mental health. The profession needs to develop expertise in the use of innovative placement models if students are to be adequately prepared to work with the mental health issues of the Australian community now and in the future.

Evaluation of a Collaborative Project to Engage Occupational Therapy Clinicians in Promoting Practice Placement Education

The Queensland Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Collaborative (QOTFC), which was founded in 2004, includes representatives from universities, practising occupational therapists, professional registration bodies and key employers, and aims to promote a shared vision for the future of practice placement education (fieldwork) in Queensland, Australia. Strategic alliances between key occupational therapy stakeholders were fostered by the QOTFC to address a shortfall of occupational therapy practice placement education opportunities in Queensland. This paper describes a project that aimed to engage occupational therapy clinicians in localised ‘hubs’ across the state of Queensland, with a view to solving practice placement shortfalls. The project evaluation and outcomes are discussed. The outcomes indicated that ownership of practice placement education across the entire profession is critical, and can be achieved through a strategic and a collective focus of key stakeholders working collaboratively with local professionals.