​Evidence

During my placements, I reviewed, critically appraised, and applied best practice and evidence to my therapeutic approach. In my first placement specifically, I had to research the benefits of occupational therapy in mental health and apply it within the practice setting.

 

I have critically evaluated information, literature, and guidelines to inform my practice during my placements and throughout school. I will continue to utilize best practice and evidence-based practice to inform my clinical reasoning. In my level I placement, it was important to understand the evidence supporting the use of occupation in mental health as this guided the interventions we provided. We often collaborated with clients on goals that aimed to return to work, school, or an activity that they were interested in.

 

The research project I have been involved in during my second year has cultivated my scholarly practitioner skills such that I have analyzed evidence-based practice for a specific set of conditions (e.g. dementia and chronic pain) and applied this knowledge to create functionally based worksheets as part of a resource workbook for clinicians and clients.

 

I have already started to enhance my personal and professional competence through learning and development by attending workshops and seminars (e.g. Choices and Changes workshop, ASIST training, etc. Note: The certificates section displays all current professional development). I have integrated new learning from these workshops within practice whether it is building therapeutic rapport or understanding the steps to help an individual with suicidal thoughts.

 

Future Learning

In order to continue my development as a scholarly practitioner, I will self-initiate my own learning and seek out seminars, workshops, and training in a multitude of practice areas. In my first year of practice I will review at least one article per week related to my area of practice and determine its practical applicability.