As OTs, we typically work on teams with other professionals. I could tell you more about importance of it,
but I think it’s best if I leave it to the educators in our community:
“I try to get students involved in other
roles while they’re on placement… I think it just gives them a better
understanding of what an OT actually can bring to the table.”
"I encouraged my
student to take the opportunity to observe some of the other disciplines we
work with and the OTs we often refer our patients to upon discharge. I think
this promotes understanding and appreciation of the various team members’ roles
(including areas of overlap) and gives greater scope of the spectrum or
continuum of care for a particular patient. I think it makes students feel more
comfortable liaising with the other disciplines on our team as well as
determining the right referral option for a particular patient upon discharge."
"I really try to get students to observe or
shadow other clinicians in the centre. That was one of the things I learned
over the years. It was a good idea to let them link up with other
clinicians for a spell. We work with so many others, and the best way to
really understand their roles is to know where they are coming from. I’ve
been lucky that the other clinicians at my setting are so willing to let the
students observe, and then my discussions with the student about who does what
and our roles as OT’s are better. They are also more comfy with the team
working with our clients and are able to ask more meaningful questions."
Lisa
Updated by Julie, 2024
