The Collaborative Model of Fieldwork Education: Implementation of the model in a regional hospital rehabilitation setting

Abstract

Aim: This paper describes the implementation of a Collaborative Model of Fieldwork Education in a regional hospital occupational therapy department. Methods: The literature on models of fieldwork education for occupational therapy students is reviewed, and an approach to the implementation of the collaborative model with three students to one clinical educator is described after piloting of this model's recommendations, arising from the pilot placement, are proposed. Conclusions: The implementation of a Collaborative Model of Fieldwork Education requires careful planning, close links with the university fieldwork team and a willingness on the behalf of occupational therapist clinical educators to explore alternative approaches to the provision of fieldwork education.