Scholarly Practitioner
“Occupational therapists incorporate critique, reflection, and quality improvement in their everyday practice and through lifelong learning. As educators, occupational therapists facilitate learning with clients, team members, and other learners” (CAOT, 2012)
My
SKILLS
In order to advocate on behalf of the value of occupational therapy, and integrate best practice with clients, consulting the literature is part of how occupational therapists build expertise. Using evidence based assessment and intervention has been a key aspect during my undergraduate and graduate degrees in order to provide rationale and clinical reasoning. During the summer of my first year of occupational therapy, I was able to collaborate on a research project with Dr. Heidi Cramm. I completed an environmental scan in regards to the literature on military to civilian transition. In completing this scan, I was able to refine my research skills and apply these skills to my subsequent placements and school. Furthermore, in placement I would continuously refer back to the literature in order to inform intervention. Please refer to the "Projects" page in order to view how I am able to incorporate evidence based practice in informing intervention.
Evidence
Placement 2 Preceptor A
"Keira consistently goes above and beyond expectations for self-study, she is a self-starter who has a natural ability for problem solving. She is a conscientious student and engages in reflective practice quite naturally"
Placement 2 Preceptor B
"Keira demonstrates a strong commitment to personal growth and performance management. She always eagerly accepted opportunities to assume new roles and responsibilities and always accepted 'homework' as an opportunity. These tasks assigned for independent work were always completed thoroughly and with care and required very little input from preceptor"
FUTURE
directions
Maintain competence and relevance through regular reflexive assessment of personal learning needs
Critically evaluate health information and research in order to deliver the best standard of care to clients
Facilitate knowledge translation between therapist and client in the context of the therapeutic relationship