Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

Keywords

Skills Adjustments

Abstract

One of the integral parts of education among students of health sciences programs is clinical training, which allows one to integrate their learned theories into an actual practice setting. The traditional way of providing clinical training in occupational therapy practice involves direct patient contact. However, all in-person therapy services were halted due to safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. This also caused a shift in the mode of clinical training of occupational therapy interns from in-person to telehealth in De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute in the Philippines. This paper aims to explore the lived experiences of Lasallian occupational therapists on telehealth, on in-person therapy, and on practice skills adjustments. Using non-probability sampling methods, six participants were gathered for a focused group discussion. Data was analyzed using Colaizzi’s method of phenomenological analysis. A total of five themes emerged related to the lived experiences of the participants: (1) the OT process in telehealth; (2) the OT process in-person; (3) significant affective effects; (4) significant cognitive effects; and (5) significant psychomotor effects. Advanced beginner occupational therapists experienced transition shock and sought different modes of teaching-learning strategies to fill the gaps in their skills. There is a need for continued support and guidance for OTs during the transition period from being learners to licensed professionals. Mentorship, shadowing, and structured learning opportunities for OTs can be beneficial.

First Advisor

Antonio Lubigan II

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