Threshold concept acquisition in occupational therapy: A mixed methods study of students and clinicians

Background/aim Demand for occupational therapy graduates able to work in complex and diverse workplaces is increasing. The threshold concepts framework has emerged as one pathway to assist in the development of work‐ready graduates. A previous Australian study identified 10 threshold concepts for oc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Australian occupational therapy journal 2019-10, Vol.66 (5), p.568-580
Main Authors: Nicola‐Richmond, Kelli, Pépin, Geneviève, Larkin, Helen, Mohebbi, Mohammedreza
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
clinical competence
Clinical decision making
Clinical medicine
Conceptual development
Convergence
Interviews
learning
Mixed methods research
Occupational therapy
Patient-centered care
Polls & surveys
Professional development
Students
teaching
Triangulation
Workplaces
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Summary:Background/aim Demand for occupational therapy graduates able to work in complex and diverse workplaces is increasing. The threshold concepts framework has emerged as one pathway to assist in the development of work‐ready graduates. A previous Australian study identified 10 threshold concepts for occupational therapy; the aim of this study was to explore the acquisition of these. Method A mixed‐methods study using observational, cross sectional design and a triangulation design convergence model was undertaken. A survey using Likert scales and open response questions was developed by the authors. Seventy‐three surveys were completed by 13 first and 20 final year Victorian occupational therapy students. Twenty recent graduates and 20 experienced clinicians from across Australia also participated. Seven first and 10 final year occupational therapy students, 10 recent graduates and 10 experienced clinicians also took part in in‐depth interviews. Likert scales were used by participants to rate confidence that they had acquired the threshold concepts, they also answered open‐response questions (via survey or interview) asking them to provide examples of how they would use threshold concepts in practice. Results Fourth year students were statistically significantly less confident than experienced clinicians for the threshold concepts Understanding the models and theories of occupational therapy and Applying clinical reasoning (P 
ISSN:0045-0766
1440-1630
DOI:10.1111/1440-1630.12595