Students’ experiences of attending an innovative occupational therapy professional practice placement in a childcare setting

This study investigated occupational therapy students’ experiences of their alternative fieldwork placement at one childcare center where there was no established occupational therapy service. A semi-structured focus group interview explored four students’ placement experiences. The interview was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed. Five categories emerged from the students’: (i) learning opportunities; (ii) skills developed during the placement; (iii) supports and strategies needed for positive and successful learning outcomes; (iv) challenges experienced; and (v) the unique features of the alternative fieldwork placement. The findings contribute to the evidence base of occupational therapy students’ experiences of alternative fieldwork placements as part of their practice education.