Paediatric Occupational Therapy University Programme Curricula in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The paediatric curriculum component of entry-level occupational therapy education programmes in the United Kingdom was examined and comparisons were made with the practice literature to determine if students were being taught current best practices. Questionnaires were mailed electronically to the identified paediatric faculty members of the 27 universities with an entry-level occupational therapy education programme in the United Kingdom. Ten completed questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 37%. The survey results indicated that paediatrics constituted less than 5% of the total curriculum content of the respondent university programmes. The theory, assessments and treatment approaches taught in the education programmes were similar to those used in clinical practice with children. Some gaps in what was taught to students were apparent, notably in the key paediatric area of visual perceptual dysfunction. The theory, assessments and intervention methods were not always taught as a cohesive stand-alone unit, so gaps occurred in the education programmes. This could lead to graduates using an eclectic approach or using personal conceptual frameworks based on postgraduate learning and work experience.