Project placement ‘enabling occupation’ in Switzerland

ABSTRACT

In the context of a revision of the BSc OT in the German speaking part of Switzerland in 2012, a new practical modul was implemented with the aim to reflect the changes in the health system, to stress our main competence, occupation and to bring OT into new areas of practice.

This is undertaken through placements, which are totally different from those, where students in Switzerland normally undertake their practical experiences. The students have to work out their own ideas and find a partner with whom they can realise their project. They have to arrange everything on their own: the clients, the advertising, the finances … This is a big challenge for them, so they need good preparation, which we offer them in form of workshops and skill training. After 3 years of implementation we can say that there are great benefits, but also challenges that have to be managed.

KEYWORDS:

• Project placement
• role-emerging placement
• enabling occupation