ERIC Number: EJ1441168
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2573-1378
A Dyad Model of Peer-Assisted Learning in an Occupational Therapy Student Experiential Learning Clinic for Hand Therapy
De'lamor Aguilar; Vicki K. Kaskutas; Rose McAndrew
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, v7 n3 Article 11 2023
Peer-assisted learning (PAL) in healthcare education encourages critical thinking, professional development, knowledge acquisition, and enhancement of clinical skills. In this paper, we describe the pilot of a dyad model of PAL used in an occupational therapy (OT) student experiential learning clinic for hand therapy, where two students at the same knowledge level provided peer support to one another in clinical responsibilities. Example activities where dyad learning occurred include evaluation and treatment planning, care delivery, documentation, presenting during clinic rounds, practicing administering assessments and treatment techniques, and role-playing sensitive patient conversations. We developed two supplemental tools to support feedback between peers: the Session Rating Tool for post-treatment feedback and the Documentation Checklists for evaluating documentation. We assessed the effectiveness of the dyad model and the two tools by first exploring students' anticipated impact on a total of nine criteria essential to professional growth and hand therapy clinical practice, which was rated on a Likert Scale. After a six-week pilot period, the same questions investigated students' perception of actual impact. Students also provided qualitative feedback via open text on each survey. Students rated the dyad learning model highest for overall confidence in clinical skills/treating patients and rated the model's impact higher than anticipated on clinical reasoning skills, therapeutic use of self and other communication skills, upper extremity diagnoses and conditions, and OT process. Students rated the Session Rating Tool similarly to anticipated impact. The dyad model of PAL supported student learning and clinical performance in this student experiential learning clinic.
Descriptors: Peer Teaching, Mentors, Occupational Therapy, Experiential Learning, Clinical Experience, Physical Disabilities, Allied Health Occupations Education, Student Attitudes, Communication Skills, Thinking Skills, Clinical Diagnosis, Clinics
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A