Evaluation of a Virtual Recreational Therapy Fieldwork and Clinical Supervision Program: Implications during the Pandemic and Beyond

Abstract

Fieldwork and clinical supervision are vital to the growth and development of students during their Recreational Therapy (RT) education. However, restrictions on in-person instruction and suspended access to clinical agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic challenged educators to find new ways to provide these experiences. This retrospective program evaluation describes a virtual RT fieldwork and clinical supervision program, and assesses its effectiveness. Undergraduate students (n = 17) and RT clinical supervisors (n = 17) matched into dyads met virtually for one hour weekly over the course of 10 weeks. Data from separate student and clinical supervisor surveys were analyzed using frequency counts and thematic review. Findings suggest both students and clinical supervisors found value in this virtual fieldwork and clinical supervision program. Suggestions for program improvement/development as well as implications for RT education are discussed with emphasis placed on ways technology can expand opportunities for RT fieldwork and clinical supervision.