Susan M Cahill1. 1. Susan M. Cahill, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, and Associate Director, Doctorate of Health Sciences Program, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL; scahil@midwestern.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners interview parents on a daily basis to gain important patient information and develop collaborative intervention goals. A standardized parent experience was developed to help master's-level occupational therapy students gain the skills needed to interview parents after their child's traumatic injury. This article describes the pedagogical approach used to develop the standardized parent experience and reports the students' general perspectives related to this assignment. METHOD: Outcome data were collected through focus groups (n = 9) and document review (n = 12) and then analyzed for themes. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the data: It felt real and It helped me to think deeper. CONCLUSION: A standardized parent experience may help occupational therapy students develop the habits of mind associated with collaboration.
OBJECTIVE: Pediatric occupational therapy practitioners interview parents on a daily basis to gain important patient information and develop collaborative intervention goals. A standardized parent experience was developed to help master's-level occupational therapy students gain the skills needed to interview parents after their child's traumatic injury. This article describes the pedagogical approach used to develop the standardized parent experience and reports the students' general perspectives related to this assignment. METHOD: Outcome data were collected through focus groups (n = 9) and document review (n = 12) and then analyzed for themes. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the data: It felt real and It helped me to think deeper. CONCLUSION: A standardized parent experience may help occupational therapy students develop the habits of mind associated with collaboration.