Integrating the centennial vision into an evidence-based fieldwork-learning experience.

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Evidence-based practice
• Clinical education

Background:

• Occupational Therapy's Centennial Vision emphasizes evidence-based practice (EBP) for professional advancement.
• Implementing EBP in occupational therapy faces challenges despite consumer and payer expectations.
• Physical disabilities fieldwork requires problem-based and collaborative learning for EBP integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of an EBP fieldwork experience on occupational therapy students.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of problem-based and collaborative learning approaches in EBP training.
• To explore the acquisition and application of new clinical skills through EBP modules.

Main Methods:

• Students completed 15 practitioner-facilitated EBP modules focused on site-specific performance approaches.
• A problem-based and collaborative learning framework was employed.
• The study was conducted within a physical disabilities fieldwork context.

Main Results:

• Participant responses indicated a positive impact of EBP on knowledge acquisition.
• Students showed enhanced application of new clinical skills derived from EBP modules.
• The fieldwork program facilitated the integration of EBP into practical occupational therapy settings.

Conclusions:

• EBP fieldwork modules can positively influence occupational therapy students' learning and skill development.
• Problem-based and collaborative learning are effective strategies for EBP implementation in fieldwork.
• Further research is needed to develop robust outcome measures for EBP clinical-learning modules.