From Classroom to Care: A Pilot Level I Fieldwork Experience Building Acute Care Self-Efficacy
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| Title: | From Classroom to Care: A Pilot Level I Fieldwork Experience Building Acute Care Self-Efficacy |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Hannah Y. Oldenburg, Jennifer Bergstrom, Traci Kruse, Tamra Trenary, Corey McGee |
| Source: | Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 2026 10(1). |
| Availability: | Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 35 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Occupational Therapy, Allied Health Occupations Education, Clinical Experience, Doctoral Students, Student Experience, Teaching Experience, Clinical Teaching (Health Professions) |
| ISSN: | 2573-1378 |
| Abstract: | Level I fieldwork provides an opportunity for occupational therapy students to be exposed to the occupational therapy framework and process across various practice settings. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding introductory fieldwork experiences for occupational therapy students in complex medical settings, specifically acute care. Researchers implemented a seven-week Level I fieldwork experience at two Midwest trauma centers, utilizing a mixed-methods, two-cohort design with 12 students and 16 practitioners. The program featured a blended Level I fieldwork supervision model, combining faculty-led and traditional on-site supervision. Over the seven-week period, students showed significant improvement in their perceived self-efficacy regarding acute care knowledge and abilities sub-scale and total scores, as measured by the Occupational Therapy Acute Care Self-Efficacy Scale (OTACSES). Students reported an increase in exposure to evaluative methods, assessment tools, and intervention types, which supported the students' understanding and confidence regarding their role delivering occupational therapy services in acute care. Both students and practitioners reported that the blend of classroom knowledge and skill training with bridged opportunity to apply their learned skills was advantageous for preparing students for future Level II fieldwork and entry-level practice. This blended supervision model successfully enhanced student confidence and skills in a medically complex practice setting, providing a framework for developing similar preparatory experiences. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1502358 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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