The Re-Design of Level I Fieldwork to Foster Professional Competence and Career Adaptability
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| Title: | The Re-Design of Level I Fieldwork to Foster Professional Competence and Career Adaptability |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Cara A. Lekovitch, Ann Marsico, Ketki Raina |
| Source: | Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 2025 9(3). |
| Availability: | Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 27 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Competence, Vocational Adjustment, Field Experience Programs, Allied Health Occupations Education, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Experience, Program Design, Doctoral Students, Program Effectiveness |
| ISSN: | 2573-1378 |
| Abstract: | Professional competence and career adaptability are essential for preparing students to meet modern healthcare demands. However, there is a paucity of evidence to guide teaching and learning of these constructs in the context of Level I fieldwork (FW). This paper details a Level I FW program re-design using a professional competence framework to foster adaptability. The re-design's impact was assessed through student surveys before and after their participation (n = 53) compared to a historical cohort one-year senior (n = 60) using the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale -- Short Form. Significant improvements were found in total and concern, curiosity, and confidence subscale scores for the re-design cohort with no significant differences between cohorts. Effect sizes were small for total scores and curiosity and confidence subscales, and medium for the control subscale. Findings emphasize the re-design's role in enhancing competence and readiness for Level II FW. This study contributes to the need for a growing body of evidence in the scholarship of teaching and learning related to fieldwork education in occupational therapy curricula. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1480301 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Professional competence and career adaptability are essential for preparing students to meet modern healthcare demands. However, there is a paucity of evidence to guide teaching and learning of these constructs in the context of Level I fieldwork (FW). This paper details a Level I FW program re-design using a professional competence framework to foster adaptability. The re-design's impact was assessed through student surveys before and after their participation (n = 53) compared to a historical cohort one-year senior (n = 60) using the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale -- Short Form. Significant improvements were found in total and concern, curiosity, and confidence subscale scores for the re-design cohort with no significant differences between cohorts. Effect sizes were small for total scores and curiosity and confidence subscales, and medium for the control subscale. Findings emphasize the re-design's role in enhancing competence and readiness for Level II FW. This study contributes to the need for a growing body of evidence in the scholarship of teaching and learning related to fieldwork education in occupational therapy curricula. |
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| ISSN: | 2573-1378 |