title: Developing empathy as a foundation of client-centred practice: evaluation of a university curriculum initiative.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The foundation of client-centred practice is the therapist's capacity to view the world through the client's eyes and to develop an understanding of the lived experience of disability.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper describes the evaluation of an educational initiative promoting student empathy to the lived experience of disability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pairs of first-year occupational therapy students visited adults with disabilities who shared their knowledge and experience of living with a disability. Students reflected on their visits in journals, which were later analyzed using pattern matching.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students appeared to appreciate the co-existence of health and disorder and demonstrated a holistic understanding of living with a disability. Little attention was focused on cultural and institutional environments. Students struggled to define the nature of their relationship with their tutors. Practice Implications. The evaluation confirmed our belief that this educational initiative could facilitate student empathy, consistent with critical features of client-centred practice.
authors: School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, ON. jamiesnm@post.queensu.ca
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Jamieson
authors: Terry
authors: T
authors: Krupa
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: O'Riordan
authors: Donna
authors: D
authors: O'Connor
authors: Margo
authors: M
authors: Paterson
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: Ball
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Wilcox