The Need for Occupational Therapy Evidence-Based Education

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy Education
• Pedagogy
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Effective teaching and learning in occupational therapy require current, targeted, and valuable methods.
• Occupational therapy academics and fieldwork supervisors must understand evidence-based education (EBE) principles.
• EBE ensures educational strategies are informed, cost-effective, and contemporary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define evidence-based education (EBE).
• To explore the application of EBE in occupational therapy academic and fieldwork settings.
• To identify factors influencing EBE in university occupational therapy programs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis.
• Definition and contextualization of EBE within occupational therapy.
• Discussion of influencing factors in higher education.

Main Results:

• Evidence-based education (EBE) is defined as a systematic approach to teaching and learning.
• EBE can be effectively integrated into both academic curricula and fieldwork placements for occupational therapy students.
• Several factors within the university sector impact the successful implementation of EBE.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapy educators and supervisors should adopt, develop, and promote EBE.
• Implementing EBE ensures students receive high-quality, impactful, and valuable education.
• Further research and discussion on EBE in occupational therapy are recommended.