Increasing the occupational therapy mental health workforce through innovative practice education: a pilot project.
OBJECTIVE
This paper describes the evaluation of a pilot trial of two innovative placement models in the area of mental health, namely role emerging and collaborative supervision. The Queensland Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Collaborative conducted this trial in response to workforce shortages in mental health.


METHODS
Six occupational therapy students and eight practice educators were surveyed pre- and post-placements regarding implementation of these innovative models.


RESULTS
Students participating in these placements reported that they were highly likely to work in mental health upon graduation, and practice educators were positive about undertaking innovative placements in future. An overview of the placement sites, trials, outcomes and limitations of this pilot trial is provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Though limited by its small sample size, this pilot trial has demonstrated the potential of innovative placement models to provide valuable student learning experiences in mental health. The profession needs to develop expertise in the use of innovative placement models if students are to be adequately prepared to work with the mental health issues of the Australian community now and in the future.
Rodger
Sylvia
S
Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia. s.rodger@uq.edu.au
Thomas
Yvonne
Y
Holley
Sue
S
Springfield
Elizabeth
E
Edwards
Ann
A
Broadbridge
Jacqui
J
Greber
Craig
C
McBryde
Cathy
C
Banks
Rebecca
R
Hawkins
Rachel
R
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000639:trends; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011793:Queensland; D013336:Students, Health Occupations; D000078329:Workforce; D055815:Young Adult