The information needs of occupational therapy students: a case study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Information Science
• Academic Research Skills

Background:

• Masters level Occupational Therapy (OT) students require specific information resources for their studies.
• Understanding student information needs is crucial for effective academic support.
• Evidence-based practice is a cornerstone of modern healthcare education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the information needs of Masters level OT students.
• To identify motivators, preferred resources, and barriers in information seeking.
• To provide actionable recommendations for information professionals.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was employed at an English university.
• Mixed methods, utilizing questionnaires, were used for data collection.
• Analysis focused on information-seeking behaviors and needs.

Main Results:

• Identified key motivators and preferred information resources for OT students.
• Highlighted significant barriers encountered by students in accessing information.
• Formulated 13 practical recommendations for improving information support.

Conclusions:

• Information professionals play a vital role in supporting OT students' learning.
• Targeted interventions can enhance students' research skills for clinical practice.
• Addressing identified barriers is essential for meeting student information needs.