Content revision in adolescent psychosocial occupational therapy

A review of the literature and student feedback suggested a need for content revision in a course on occupational therapy with the adolescent. Unlike any other age group in the United States, the death rate for adolescents from injuries/accidents, suicide and homicide is rapidly rising (McAnarney, Kreipe, & Orr, 1992). High risk behaviors of substance abuse, sexual activity, and vehicle accidents also account for many adolescent deaths. Given the state of rapid change in the challenges faced by adolescents and the many diagnostic conditions that initially present in adolescence and are the focus of occupational therapy intervention, systematic and comprehensive course content revision of the psychosocial aspects of this adolescent course were initiated. The purpose of this ''classroom research'' project was to identify specific psychosocial topics that students perceived should be included to help them learn about providing occupational therapy services to the adolescent. The method used to collect data was a Delphi technique called the Group Instructional Feedback Technique (GIFT). Findings suggest that presentation of specific topics on teenage pregnancy and sexuality, violence, and situations in which interpersonal losses occur may enhance student learning and preparation for practice. The GIFT technique may have application to other topics in occupational therapy education.