OTA 1170 Phys Dysfunction Fieldwork

Course Description

OTA 1170 Physical Dysfunction Fieldwork I is a one-hour/week lecture and thirty hour clinical site experience. Lecture prepares for the off-site experience and future fieldwork IIs by requiring academic & practical competency-based assignments. The externship will be arranged and take place at clinical facility sites within the community under the direction of an academic fieldwork coordinator. Emphasis is to expose students to a variety of diagnoses and to develop professional behaviors and clinical observation skills. This is a designated service-learning course (see below for more details).

Community-Engaged Learning Project

Project Description:

1. Observe and participate in the OT process as it relates to adult rehabilitation services and evidence-based practice. 

2. Develop basic clinical observation skills of evidence-based practices and practice outcomes. 

3. Provide and accept feedback, modifying behavior as needed.

4. Communicate and collaborate professionally through verbal, non-verbal, reflection, and written responses/documentation with all stakeholders. 

5. Identify self as an OTA student 100% of the time. 

6. Use technology and information literacy to access course materials and complete assignments.

Reflection Summary

I really enjoyed making "fine-motor practice vests" for my fieldwork. I enjoyed being creative and using my sewing skills (that I have not used in probably over a decade) to help meet the needs of many clients. These vests will help clients practice their fine motor skills for upper-body dressing, and also practice using adaptive equipment like button hooks. I made two vests because the clients there range in size, but looking back, one large one would have sufficed. I am glad I could provide a project that is very applicable to their daily life and I look forward to other projects for future fieldwork.