Outcomes of an Evidence-Based, Data Driven-Model Fieldwork Experience for Occupational Therapy Students

Authors

Amy P. Carroll, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
E. Adel Herge, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Lindsay Johnson, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Roseann C. Schaaf, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2017

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, Volume 1, Issue 1, January 2017, Article number 7.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2017.010102. Copyright © Carroll et al.

Abstract

Over the past decade, there has been an increased emphasis on evidence-based practice (EBP) and the use of outcome measurement in clinical practice, however, the implementation of evidence into practice remains challenging and irregular. During fieldwork, students often experience a disconnect between the emphasis on EBP in the classroom and lack of use in the clinic. Recognizing the need to develop high-quality, evidence-based and data-driven models of practice for student training, we partnered with local fieldwork educators to develop an innovative program that guides students and simultaneously trains fieldwork educators (FWE) in the use of a systematic data driven decision making (DDDM) process to infuse evidence into practice. Using a pre-post quasi-experimental design, we evaluated the impact of this program on students’ perceived knowledge and skills in use of EBP and DDDM. A focus group with participating fieldwork educators captured their knowledge and attitudes in the use of EBP and DDDM in their clinical sites. Eleven FWEs and twenty four students participated. Results revealed significant change in students’ knowledge and skill in use of EBP and DDDM. FWEs reported the program clarified the role of occupational therapy, enhanced communication, and validated the value of occupational therapy in their clinical site. This program serves as a model for training students to implement evidence and data driven approaches in clinical practice, thus bridging the gap between classroom and clinic.

Recommended Citation

Carroll, Amy P.; Herge, E. Adel; Johnson, Lindsay; and Schaaf, Roseann C., "Outcomes of an Evidence-Based, Data Driven-Model Fieldwork Experience for Occupational Therapy Students" (2017). Department of Occupational Therapy Faculty Papers. Paper 67.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/otfp/67

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Language

English