Muscular dystrophy summer camp: a case study of a non-traditional level I fieldwork using a collaborative supervision...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Fieldwork Placements
• Pediatric Rehabilitation

Background:

• Traditional medical fieldwork placements are scarce in the US.
• Alternative settings are needed to meet Level I fieldwork accreditation standards.
• Pediatric settings offer unique learning opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an alternative pediatric camp setting for Level I occupational therapy fieldwork.
• To assess the outcomes of a group supervision model in this setting.
• To determine the viability of camp-based fieldwork for meeting accreditation requirements.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 37 occupational therapy students from two Pennsylvania schools.
• Data collected over two years from two student cohorts.
• Retrospective review and data collection methods were employed.

Main Results:

• Students in the group supervision model reported positive outcomes.
• Participants gained experience in client-centered care.
• Students developed an understanding of caregiving for children with disabilities.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative fieldwork education model at a camp is a viable approach.
• This model successfully facilitated the attainment of Level I fieldwork objectives.
• A single supervisor can effectively oversee multiple students in this setting.