This week is Occupational Therapy Week (1-7 November). Today, we focus on the work student learning has played in supporting and addressing health equity, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ new campaign #OTsForEquity.
NHS Lanarkshire’s primary care occupational therapy (PCOT) service has continued to value the importance of student learning in order to contribute to the future OT workforce and promote the unique role of occupational therapy within primary care.
The students, working along their practice educators, had the opportunity to enhance their occupational therapy assessment and intervention skills, in order to be able to challenge and address the health inequalities that many people in society face.
Jenna Allan, occupational therapist, said: ”My role as practice educator in sharing the role of occupational therapy in primary care with student occupational therapists was highly rewarding. It was exciting to see students’ confidence, skills and knowledge develop particularly during the challenging times of Covid-19.”
Placements were delivered through on-site learning across GP practices and virtual learning organised through NHS Lanarkshire’s practice education team. Reflective of current working practices, students were able to gain clinical observation and practical experience through telephone appointments, video consultations via Near Me and home visits. Students were also given the opportunity to spend time learning about the valued role of other professionals within the primary care setting through shadowing and telephone conversations when remote working.
Through ongoing assessment of learning needs and to address arising challenges of Covid-19, a creative and flexible approach was required to enable students to meet their placement learning objectives. Students were given the opportunity to develop their clinical and communication skills through adapted means of working including case studies, mock assessments and reflective writing.
Student Kirsty Allan, who was based at Newarthill medical practice and Macinness medical practice, said: “I had no idea that occupational therapy was a service within the GP [practices] and now I would actually like to graduate and hopefully apply for a post within this area as I enjoyed it so much.”
Student Caitlin Campbell, who was based at Auchinraith medical practice and Lincluden surgery, said: “Regardless of the restrictions still in place, I was able to gain a full placement experience. All health professionals and staff within the practices that I encountered made me feel at ease and welcomed into their environment, overall contributing to a very enjoyable placement.”
For more information on Occupational Therapy Week, please visit: https://www.rcot.co.uk/occupational-therapy-week-2021-otsforequity
