Targeting the globe: internationalisation in occupational therapy education

ABSTRACT

Through international placements, student occupational therapists (SOTs) provide direct services and consultation with communities, organisations and local governments. SOTs work with international partners to assess needs, develop new programs, and adopt new practices. SOTs support individuals and groups to build and sustain capacity in health, function and rehabilitation. However, more comprehensive preparation of SOTs for international involvement is required. The objectives of this paper are: (a) to develop recommendations for best practice for the educational preparation of globally bound SOTs; (b) to disseminate findings that reflect global and culturally sensitive perspectives; and (c) to provide recommendations that support engagement in international placement learning. The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) assisted in connecting the investigators and participating countries. Data analyses outlined clear trends related to strengths and gaps in student preparation. Ongoing development of international clinical education resources and partnerships is needed to support dynamic and sustainable global learning in occupational therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• International placement
• occupational therapy
• clinical education
• survey study
• qualitative interview research

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, McMaster University President Patrick Deane's forward with integrity who provided funding for this project, the respondents who took time to complete the survey and engage in interviews, and McMaster University School of Rehabilitation Science for support in executing this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

McMaster University President Patrick Deane's Forward with Integrity Fund. McMaster University School of Rehabilitation Science. The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in the execution or dissemination of this research.