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Occupational Therapy Placement Reflection

The reflection details an Occupational Therapy student's ten-week placement at a community hospital, where they gained hands-on experience conducting assessments and participating in discharge planning. Initially feeling anxious, the student grew in confidence through support from colleagues and practical experiences, particularly in using new aids and equipment. Overall, the placement was a valuable learning opportunity that enhanced their skills and understanding of occupational therapy practice, while also highlighting areas for future improvement.

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29 views4 pages

Occupational Therapy Placement Reflection

The reflection details an Occupational Therapy student's ten-week placement at a community hospital, where they gained hands-on experience conducting assessments and participating in discharge planning. Initially feeling anxious, the student grew in confidence through support from colleagues and practical experiences, particularly in using new aids and equipment. Overall, the placement was a valuable learning opportunity that enhanced their skills and understanding of occupational therapy practice, while also highlighting areas for future improvement.

Uploaded by

abbieau121
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Reflection 3

Over the last ten weeks, I had a placement as an Occupational Therapy


student in a community hospital. During this time, I worked closely with
the multi-disciplinary team. In the first few weeks, I had the opportunity to
shadow occupational therapists, physiotherapists, assistant practitioner
and therapy assistants, observing how they conducted various
assessments and sessions. As the placement progressed, I began to
complete initial assessments, washing and dressing assessments,
kitchen assessments and transfer assessments either independently or
working alongside the therapy team. I also completed lots of referral
forms and discharge summaries for my patients. Additionally, I attended
multiple family meetings, participated in access visits with patients and
therapists, and in my third week, I had an opportunity to shadow the
community team for a day. Through those home visits, I gained insight
into how occupational therapists in the community team work differently
from those on the inpatient ward.

At the start of the placement, I felt a mixture of nervousness and


excitement, as this was my third placement and I wanted to perform well.
I was anxious about taking on more responsibility and working in a new
environment, but I was also eager to expand my skills and knowledge.
During the first few weeks, while shadowing experienced professionals, I
felt both inspired by their expertise and slightly overwhelmed by the
complexity of the assessments and interventions. It gave me the chance
to familiarize myself with the environment and the processes involved.
However, when I started conducting assessments independently, I
initially felt anxious that I might make mistakes or miss important details.
Moreover, there were times when I doubted myself, particularly when I
encountered challenging cases or unfamiliar situations. I also felt sorry if
I caused any trouble for my colleagues, as I did not want to be a burden
on them. Over time, as I received support and feedback from the team, I
began to feel more confident in myself. I was so grateful that the people I
worked with were very supportive and welcoming, which made me feel
comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance. Building rapport
with patients made me happy because it created a trusting and positive
environment that supported their progress. I felt satisfied when I
witnessed how much they improved over time and knew that my
contributions were helping them achieve their goals.

In retrospect, this placement was a valuable learning experience.


Particularly in terms of improving my skills and building my confidence.
One of the positive aspect was the opportunity to learn how to use a
variety of new aids and equipment safely, which was a crucial aspect of
my role. In my previous placements, I had not been involved in
discharge planning, so this was my first time actively participating in the
process such as discussions with family members and completing
referrals. I acknowledge there is still room for improvement in this area,
as it was a new process for me, and I need to continue refining my skills
in discharge planning for future placement.

Another positive aspect of the placement was the increased opportunity


to practice conducting assessments, such as washing and dressing
assessments and kitchen assessments. These hands-on experiences
helped build my confidence and gave me a deeper understanding of
how these assessments contribute to the overall rehabilitation process.
Although I did not have the chance to observe how occupational
therapist conduct cognitive assessments such as the ACE-III, I did
observe the occupational therapist completed the Mental Capacity
Assessments, which was an important learning experience.

In reflecting on the overall experience, I realize that my initial feelings of


anxiety were a natural part of transitioning into a new clinical
environment. The process of shadowing allowed me to gain insight into
the role, which gave me confidence when I started taking on more
responsibilities. The support from my colleagues was essential in
managing the challenges I encountered, and I found that receiving
regular feedback allowed me to refine my skills and reduce my self-
doubt. In addition, my increased exposure to new aids and equipment
was an essential part of my learning. It gave me practical skills that I will
be able to apply in my future practice. The hands-on practice I gained
from doing different assessments has been valuable in building my
confidence and skills. I feel that as I gain more practice with these
assessments, my ability to carry them out efficiently and accurately will
continue to improve. I also recognize the value of being involved in
discharge planning, even though it was a new responsibility for me. The
experience of discussing patient needs with family members and
contributing to referral processes has reinforced the importance of clear
communication and collaboration. But I recognize that this is an area
where I still need to improve.

In conclusion, my placement at the community hospital provided a


valuable learning experience that helped me develop both personally
and professionally. Although I still have room for improvement, this
placement offered me a comprehensive understanding of various
aspects of occupational therapy practice. As I continue to refine my
skills, I look forward to applying what I have learnt in future placement
and eventually in my career as an occupational therapist.

Common questions

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The student identified room for improvement in discharge planning and conducting a broader range of assessments. Improving these areas will enhance their ability to manage patient care effectively and adapt to various clinical environments, thus significantly impacting their future success as an occupational therapist .

The student managed their feelings of anxiety and self-doubt by receiving support and feedback from the team, which helped them feel more confident. The supportive environment made them comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance, contributing to their growing confidence .

Initially, the student felt overwhelmed by the complexity of assessments when shadowing professionals, but as they gained hands-on experience conducting various assessments independently, their confidence grew. This shift in perception highlights the student's adaptive learning process and increased competence in their role .

Shadowing experienced professionals benefited the student by providing insight into the roles and allowing them to familiarize themselves with the environment and processes. This exposure made the student feel more confident and prepared to take on responsibilities independently later in the placement .

Family meetings and discussions were crucial for the student's learning as they enhanced their skills in communication and collaboration. These interactions also reinforced the student's understanding of the importance of family involvement in patient care management .

The opportunity to use new aids and equipment was crucial for the student's learning experience. It provided practical skills and knowledge that will be applicable in their future practice, contributing to their role as an effective occupational therapist .

The student gained skills in clear communication and collaboration through discussions with family members and completing referral processes, which are essential for successful discharge planning. This experience is significant for professional development as it equips the student with practical skills necessary for effective patient care management in occupational therapy .

By shadowing the community team and participating in home visits, the student gained insights into how occupational therapy practice in the community settings differs from inpatient wards. This experience provided a broader understanding of occupational therapy's versatility and the tailored approaches required in different settings .

Gaining insight into the different roles within the multi-disciplinary team helped the student appreciate the comprehensive approach needed in occupational therapy. It shaped their approach by highlighting the interdependency among team members, encouraging collaborative practice, and broadening their perspective on patient-centered care .

Building rapport with patients boosted the student's confidence and created a trusting, positive environment that supported patient progress. Seeing patients improve over time as a result of their contributions was satisfying for the student and reinforced the importance of therapeutic relationships in achieving successful outcomes .

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