Fieldwork education: The future of occupational therapy depends on it.

Abstract

Fieldwork continues to be the cornerstone of preparation for entry-level occupational therapy clinicians. During the past five years the Canadian healthcare system has experienced decreases in federal funding, organizational changes such as the movement to programme management, and increased focus on community-based needs. Two fieldwork projects were tested at a large health sciences facility, to meet the challenge of providing effective fieldwork experiences that build on current educational methodologies while still responding to changing realities in healthcare practice. The academic programme with which the health sciences facility is affiliated has developed a strong focus on self-directed learning, using problem-based and small group learning formats. The development, implementation and evaluation of the two fieldwork projects is described. Discussion focuses on the processes needed to facilitate innovative, flexible fieldwork models.