Private practice: benefits, barriers and strategies of providing fieldwork placements.
BACKGROUND
Occupational therapists are entering private practice in ever increasing numbers. In order to gain the skills to practice in this area, students should have the opportunity to experience private practice fieldwork placements. However, the number offered in private practice settings continues to be limited. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to identify the benefits, the barriers, and the strategies associated with providing fieldwork opportunities in private practice.


METHODS
Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists in private practice.


RESULTS
Results indicated that participating in fieldwork education affords benefits to the profession of occupational therapy, to the clinician, and to the facility. Potential barriers included student characteristics, cost, time, travel and legalities. Involvement from the university and the private setting were considered necessary for providing and implementing strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings have implications for increasing private practice placements for future students in occupational therapy and other health care professions offering clinical placements as a component of their formal education.
Sloggett
Kym
K
Lifemark Occupational Therapy Associates, 20 Eglinton Ave, West 1401, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8. kym.sloggett@sympatico.ca
Kim
Nancy
N
Cameron
Debra
D
D002983:Clinical Competence; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education* / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011331:Private Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence