Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice

Mentoring is essential at all stages of a professional career. However, little has been written about the effectiveness of programs for practicing clinicians. This study was designed to address the need for evidence about the effectiveness of formal mentorship programs by describing the impact of th...

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Main Authors: Sarah A. Schoen, Bryan M. Gee, Mim Ochsenbein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2021-01-01
Series:Occupational Therapy International
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/3394478
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author Sarah A. Schoen
Bryan M. Gee
Mim Ochsenbein
author_facet Sarah A. Schoen
Bryan M. Gee
Mim Ochsenbein
author_sort Sarah A. Schoen
collection DOAJ
description Mentoring is essential at all stages of a professional career. However, little has been written about the effectiveness of programs for practicing clinicians. This study was designed to address the need for evidence about the effectiveness of formal mentorship programs by describing the impact of the STAR mentorship program on a group of clinicians specializing in sensory integration and processing challenges. This study utilized an exploratory, retrospective, survey research design. Course evaluations were examined from 240 subjects following participation in a one-week, small group mentorship training program. Qualitative methods were adapted for use in this study. Sixteen codes, with operational definitions, were developed to analyze the surveys. Ninety-six percent indicated that the program met or exceeded their expectations; only 12.5% had a negative comment. Impact on psychosocial function was reflected by 22% of the participants. Comments related to impact on career function were indicated by 45% of the participants. Ninety-four percent provided positive comments about the program structure, and 74% responded with positive comments regarding content of the program. Positive outcomes were associated with this one mentorship program, suggesting a need for more in-person, structured mentored learning experiences. Mentorship is recommended as a method to address the growing need within the profession to support career development, build knowledge, skill and attitudes, and aspirations/commitment as well as enhance professionalism/professional development.
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spelling doaj-art-e0ec8d32fbbc4bc5bb3b6618ccc58b722025-02-03T01:20:38ZengWileyOccupational Therapy International1557-07032021-01-01202110.1155/2021/3394478Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy PracticeSarah A. Schoen0Bryan M. Gee1Mim Ochsenbein2STAR InstitutePost Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy ProgramSTAR InstituteMentoring is essential at all stages of a professional career. However, little has been written about the effectiveness of programs for practicing clinicians. This study was designed to address the need for evidence about the effectiveness of formal mentorship programs by describing the impact of the STAR mentorship program on a group of clinicians specializing in sensory integration and processing challenges. This study utilized an exploratory, retrospective, survey research design. Course evaluations were examined from 240 subjects following participation in a one-week, small group mentorship training program. Qualitative methods were adapted for use in this study. Sixteen codes, with operational definitions, were developed to analyze the surveys. Ninety-six percent indicated that the program met or exceeded their expectations; only 12.5% had a negative comment. Impact on psychosocial function was reflected by 22% of the participants. Comments related to impact on career function were indicated by 45% of the participants. Ninety-four percent provided positive comments about the program structure, and 74% responded with positive comments regarding content of the program. Positive outcomes were associated with this one mentorship program, suggesting a need for more in-person, structured mentored learning experiences. Mentorship is recommended as a method to address the growing need within the profession to support career development, build knowledge, skill and attitudes, and aspirations/commitment as well as enhance professionalism/professional development.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/3394478
spellingShingle Sarah A. Schoen
Bryan M. Gee
Mim Ochsenbein
Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice
Occupational Therapy International
title Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice
title_full Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice
title_fullStr Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice
title_full_unstemmed Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice
title_short Preparing Advanced Clinicians and Practitioners: A Model for Mentorship in Occupational Therapy Practice
title_sort preparing advanced clinicians and practitioners a model for mentorship in occupational therapy practice
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/3394478
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