International fieldwork placements and occupational therapy: Lived experiences of the major stakeholders

Abstract

Considering fieldwork is a critical component in the occupational therapy curriculum, it is reassuring to uncover that international placements can be of benefit to all stakeholders while achieving its primary goal of preparing students to become competent therapists. All participants developed a greater cultural awareness and appreciation, which is necessary as occupational therapists are increasingly working in diverse settings with diverse client groups. This information can also be used to enhance international fieldwork education as students continue to travel abroad to complete their mandatory fieldwork hours.

Targeting the globe: internationalisation in occupational therapy education

“…Despite these barriers, research consistently identifies numerous benefits associated with students' participation in ICPs. It also supports that these benefits, including specific skill development, often translate into professional practice (Button, Green, Tengah, Johansson, & Baker, 2004;Grant & McKenna, 2003;Green et al, 2008;Simonelis et al, 2011;Suarez-Balcazar et al, 2012). Lastly, specific literature addressing this topic in OT is extremely limited.…”

“…Scholars from multiple health-related disciplines agree that international clinical placements (ICPs) provide students with unique opportunities to increase cultural sensitivity, understand global health issues, and develop international research experience (Simonelis Njelesani, Novak, Kuzma, & Cameron, 2011). Literature also suggests that participation in ICPs fosters open-mindedness, enhances student reflection practices, and contributes to improved self-confidence (Suarez-Balcazar et al, 2012).…”

The Impact of Classroom Instruction on Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity in Occupational Therapy Students

“…Every clinical encounter is influenced by culture as occupational therapy practitioners are working in increasingly culturally diverse settings (Cheung et al, 2002;Munoz, 2007;Purnell, 2009;Simonelis, Njelesani, Novak, Kuzma, & Cameron, 2011). Due to this increasing diversity, the need for cultural awareness and sensitive practice must be addressed by occupational therapy practitioners (Murden et al, 2008).…”

Occupational therapy and culture: a literature review

“…This could imply, on a basic level, being aware of tangible markers of culture, such as customs, language, dance, crafts, art, and a system of rules, including values and perceptions (43,52). On a more complex level, cultural awareness, respect for cultural heritage, cultural humility, cultural literacy, cultural knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and cultural and transcultural competence are described as key issues for responsive interventions in terms of culture for OT (34,35,38,39,42,43,(45)(46)(47)52,55,57,66). These interventions must be adjusted to the contexts of practice (40,46).…”