Andrada, Lizelle and Chuong, Kara and Maldonado, Reyna and Trujillo, Yaritza (2024) Bridging the gap: Supporting the mental health and advocacy needs of diverse OT and OTA students in fieldwork. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.
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Abstract
Occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students from diverse backgrounds face unique challenges during fieldwork, including mental health issues and the need for specific accommodations. Despite the critical importance of fieldwork in OT education, limited research addresses these students' specific needs. Our thesis project aimed to enhance future research to develop better support systems and accommodations for these students. We designed a 30 to 40-minute targeted presentation for Academic Fieldwork Coordinators (AFWCs) at Stanbridge University, focusing on student mental health and strategies for self-advocacy. The presentation provided evidence-based knowledge and practical tools to help AFWCs foster an environment that promotes mental well-being and resilience among students. Following the presentation, we conducted a post-presentation survey to evaluate its effectiveness. Results indicated that the presentation increased AFWCs' knowledge of student mental health challenges and provided them with actionable strategies to support students during fieldwork better. Our project concludes that targeted interventions for AFWCs can bridge the gap in the existing literature and contribute to developing more inclusive and supportive educational practices within OT programs.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | MSOTOC013 |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RC Internal medicine |
| Depositing User: | Kareena Yashko |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Mar 2026 20:04 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Mar 2026 20:04 |
| URI: | http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/211 |
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