Occupational therapy student perspectives of a large group telehealth placement

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited evidence examining large group occupational therapy telehealth practice education and the associated learning benefits. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of occupational therapy students in a large telehealth group placement, within the occupational therapy degree at an Australian regional university. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological research design, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, was used to explore the lived experience of students who completed the telehealth placement. Results: Eleven students participated in individual or group structured interviews. Five themes and twelve codes were identified during data analysis. Key themes were; the placement provided opportunities to link theory to practice, becoming a professional, positive and negative aspects of large group placement, assessment driven, and telehealth shaped the learning and clinical experience. Conclusions: This study provides initial evidence from the student perspective regarding the benefits of a large group placement and offers the potential to be used as a transition in preparing students for future client interactions, and application of clinical reasoning and occupational therapy theory. Adaptations for future practice have also been identified. Further research exploring the ideal group size is needed.