Online Fieldwork Program for Occupational Therapy Students in the Era of COVID-19 : A Pilot Study

Abstract

This preliminary study explored the potential effectiveness and efficacy of the online fieldwork program as an alternative to on-site fieldwork placement for occupational therapy students. Eight-week online fieldwork program consisting of diverse topics were provided to enrolled students via the Zoom. Eighteen occupational therapists from five rehabilitation hospitals along with a fieldwork program director led the online program. Students were expected to attend to the program for 7.5 hours (an hour of student presentation, an hour of lecture, and 4.5 hours of group work or study sessions), 5 days a week. Clinical competency, self-efficacy, and motivation for learning were examined. Additionally, reports on favorable part of the program and possible complaints were collected. A total of 82 students participated in survey after the online program. There were no significant differences in clinical competency, self-efficacy, and motivation for learning among students with varying prior fieldwork experiences. Students reported high satisfaction of the overall program and noted satisfaction with the organization of the program, quality of clinical instructors, variety of assignments, convenience of attending, and ease of communication through online platform. However, barriers such as technological problems and lack of hands-on experience were noted. The possibility of providing an online fieldwork program in place of in-person fieldwork was explored. Future research regarding online fieldwork programs need to be explored for more robust statistical investigation.