Predictors of occupational therapy students’ clinical performance: An exploratory study

Abstract

Determining factors that predict student clinical performance can enable the early identification of students at risk of clinical difficulties. This exploratory study examined the ability of grade point average, trait anxiety, the completion of an elective preclinical practical course, and age to predict the clinical performance of occupational therapy students. Forty‐nine occupational therapy students provided demographic and academic details, and completed parts of The Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (Fifth Edition) before commencing their first major clinical placement. Clinical performance was measured in eight behavioural areas using a 53‐item evaluation tool. Grade point average was the most important and consistent positive predictor of student clinical performance. Some areas of performance were positively predicted by trait anxiety and age, and negatively predicted by completion of the preclinical course. The need for future research on other potential predictors is highlighted. Improved knowledge of predictors might inform the curricula of occupational therapy training programs, and allow the early identification of students at risk of clinical difficulties so that appropriate supports can be implemented to assist them to reach their full clinical potential.