Project Investigator: Donna Drynan, Associate Professor of Teaching, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Additional Applicants: Jeff Boniface; Palvi Dhillon; Lisa Mahil
Project Description
The purpose of this study is to understand the prevalence of bullying that student occupational therapists experience or witness while on placements and the impact this may have had on their learning. It is hoped that the findings of this study will identify what types of bullying is occurring so that appropriate resources can be developed to best support students and to develop education for preceptors on how to avoid acts of bullying when educating student occupational therapists.
Project Questions
- What is the nature of bullying that students experience or witness in placements?
- Are students reporting bullying or not?
- What impact did the bullying have on their learning while on placement?
- What resources would best assist students to report and possibly mitigate bullying?
- What resources do OT preceptors need ensure they are supporting the well-being of their learners?
Impact on teaching and learning at UBC
Findings from this project will inform Occupational Therapy Academic Fieldwork Coordinators as well as provide resources that align with current university policies. These findings will also be beneficial to our interdisciplinary counterparts such as physical therapists, dieticians, Speech Language Pathologists. One of the aims of the study is to create a reporting framework for those who have experienced or witnessed bullying within occupational therapy. We are hoping that the data collected will serve to guide and inform future protocols for students to repost their experiences.