Fieldwork Preceptors’ Perspectives on Professionalism in Occupational Therapy

• In Event: Educating for Equity and Excellence: Perspectives on Motivation, Cultural Responsiveness, and Professionalism

Abstract

The development of professionalism is crucial for occupational therapy (OT) students to become competent practitioners. The purpose of this study was to explore fieldwork preceptors’ perspectives on professionalism in OT. An online survey with 11 open-ended questions was administered to OT preceptors across two Western Canadian provinces. Seventy-one completed surveys were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Main insights shared included the critical importance of communication skills and the embodiment of specific personal attributes; professionalism is linked to ethical, high-quality care; and multiple strategies can be used to cultivate the development of students’ professionalism while on fieldwork. These insights offer valuable guidance for developing professionalism scenarios that bridge teaching and learning between the classroom and fieldwork contexts.

Authors

• Mary Roduta Roberts, University of Alberta

• Delaina Coupal, University of Alberta

• Anastasia Khoriakova, University of Alberta

• Kiana Mann, University of Alberta

• Rene Russo, University of Alberta