Authors:
Elizabeth Saunders, OT/s & Margaret Morris, OTD, OT, BCP
Abstract:
Communities of practice (CoPs) are one knowledge translation method used in occupational therapy. This project created an online CoP with school-based occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) to support the transition from a caseload to workload model. Participants responded to Evidence-Based Practice Confidence (EPIC) scale and qualitative responses via Qualtrics survey. Out of 9 responses (n=9), five participants saw a statistically significant difference in EPIC scale scores. Three themes emerged: importance of advocating for a workload model (n=4), more informed about a workload model (n=5), and sharing collective experiences mitigates feelings of isolation (n=7). Results highlight opportunities of CoPs for school-based OTPs to share experiences, collaborate, reflect on practice, and advocate for change. Sharing collective experiences may provide a support that buffers against burnout and compassion fatigue.
Key Words:
Workload, Community of Practice, Schools