Document Type
Paper
Publication Date
Spring 4-24-2024
Faculty Mentor
Nadine Hanner
Abstract
Objective
With a larger percentage of occupational therapy practitioners working in the school-based setting, it is important that entry-level clinicians have access to free resources and information in order to successfully transition into school-based practice.
Methods
A REDcap survey was completed to gather stakeholder needs and determine which resources might be most beneficial to include in a resource toolkit for new clinicians transitioning to school-based practice. REDcap participants included 155 individuals (N=155) from 36 different states in the United States included in the REDcap survey sample. Of the 155 participants, 115 (73.3%) are occupational therapists, and 39 (25%) are certified occupational therapy assistants. Participants reported concerns include meetings (48.1%), scheduling (48.1%), high caseloads (45.5%), lack of mentorship and teams (41.7%), engagement with school staff (32.7%), understanding laws, policies, and regulations (29.5), itinerant schedules (16%), and treatment sessions (9.6%). Based on these results, a toolkit was created and housed electronically to provide free, accessible, and comprehensive resources for the new school based occupational therapy professionals. Following the creation of the toolkit, participants received access to the resource. Surveys were distributed to evaluate the usability, perceived helpfulness, and perceived quality of the toolkit.
Results
Following the utilization of the toolkit, 25 (N=25) participants completed a survey analyzing the quality, helpfulness, and usability of the completed toolkit. Participants were to rate these areas on a scale of 1-10. The results from the feedback survey demonstrate perceived means of 8.32/10 for quality, 8.52/10 for helpfulness, and 8.64/10 for overall usability. Participants report that they would be likely to recommend the toolkit to a colleague and they feel it meets expectations. There were areas the participants felt could be expanded upon or added to improve the toolkit, which could lead to opportunities for continued growth of the project. Figures F-H in the appendices provide more information on the data results.
Conclusion
This resource toolkit will provide information and education to practitioners so they may adequately serve their clients and work within the unique nature of school system.
Recommended Citation
Aksu, Amanda V., "A School-Based Occupational Therapy Resource Toolkit" (2024). Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice. 31.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-ppotd/31