Occupational Therapy Assistant Students' Perceptions of Using Standardized Patient Encounters as a Replacement for Traditional Level I Fieldwork

Standardized patient encounters are being utilized more often in occupational therapy education as a replacement for traditional fieldwork. While there is a growing body of research to support the use of this model in developing student skillsets and confidence, there remains limited information on the topic, and no studies which look at its use with occupational therapy assistant students. Twenty-four occupational therapy assistant students participated in standardized patient encounters which served as a replacement for traditional Level I fieldwork. All students completed an anonymous supplementary course evaluation regarding their experiences. A secondary analysis of the data looked at their perceptions of a standardized patient encounter model for fieldwork and how it did or did not prepare them for future Level II clinicals. Quantitative and qualitative data exposed aspects of these experiences which students found to be most and least effective. Overall, data showed moderate support for use of standardized patient encounters to support student confidence and skills in anticipation of Level II fieldwork. The student perception of these types of experiences is influenced by environmental (e.g., structure) and personal (e.g., student personality) factors. Success requires adequate preparation of all involved parties. Use of standardized patient encounters should be researched further to determine its impact on fieldwork performance evaluation scores and future employment.