Rodger, S., Fitzgerald, C., Davila, W., Millar, F., Springfield, L., Thomas, Y., Garbutt, K., and Greber, C. (2011) Consumers' perspectives of quality in student delivered occupational therapy services. Focus on Health Professional Education: A Multi-disciplinary Journal, 13 (2). pp. 37-52.

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Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Consumer feedback on the quality of health services, in general, and student provided services, in particular, have received limited attention. This paper describes a study of the perspectives of 101 consumers of occupational therapy services delivered by students in Queensland, Australia during the second half of 2009.

Method: Consumers were drawn from a range of hospital and community services, across both government and non-government organisations providing occupational therapy services for consumers across the lifespan. A purpose designed questionnaire (incorporating qualitative and quantitative items) was developed based on the literature and authors' experiences with practice education. The questionnaire investigated consumer satisfaction with student delivered occupational therapy services and their perspectives on specific attributes they considered important regarding the quality of student delivered occupational therapy services.

Results: Consumers were generally satisfied with the occupational therapy services provided by students and described advantages for themselves and for the students. In addition, they would recommend these services to family and friends. Few disadvantages were identified. Attributes that consumers considered important included courtesy and respect, explaining the chosen intervention and rationale, being prepared and organised, providing information they could understand, being empathetic, understanding their problems, answering their questions and taking the time necessary to complete tasks.

Conclusions: While the overall response rate was low (16.1%), the results are generally congruent with studies of student delivered services in medicine and nursing. The findings have relevance for preparation of students for practice placements, curriculum development and quality assurance. For example, developing the qualities the patients' value can be incorporated within health professional curricula. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are identified.

Item ID:	19175
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1442-1100
Keywords:	practice education, consumers,survey, fieldwork, clinical education
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2011 02:22
FoR Codes:	11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110321 Rehabilitation and Therapy (excl Physiotherapy) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920201 Allied Health Therapies (excl. Mental Health Services) @ 100%
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