Perceptions of fieldwork education in Malta : challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Academic upgrading of the occupational therapy programme in Malta has necessitated exploration of current fieldwork practices through a qualitative study. Data were collected through one-to-one interviews with 18 recently qualified occupational therapists. The findings showed the multi-faceted and complex nature of the fieldwork process, confirming the strong influence and relationships between the fieldwork context, the fieldwork supervisor and the different values and attitudes each learner brings to the fieldwork situation. The various practices as voiced by the participants affected the quality of their fieldwork experiences in different ways. Awareness of these key influences will pave the way forward for fieldwork education planners to provide meaningful experiences.