Arts-Based Education (ABE): Deepening Connections to the Department of Occupational Therapy

Authors:

Rebecca Cohen, OT/s & Mary Alicia Barnes, OT, OTD in consultation with Liz Canter, EdM

Abstract:

Arts-based education (ABE), the use of art to build healthcare trainees’ professional skills, is an innovative, evidence-based tool for supporting clinical/interpersonal capacities. Although situated within a liberal arts institution, Tufts Department of Occupational Therapy (TDOT) offers limited ABE opportunities. This project aimed to investigate/support ABE within TDOT by 1) developing/assessing educational programming for students, and 2) educating students/faculty about ABE. Methods included art and TDOT educator stakeholder interviews (n = 7), student pilot group planning/facilitation, and mixed methods analysis of pilot participants’ pre-/post-surveys and written reflections (n = 43 quantitative, n = 33 qualitative). Students reported experiencing many ABE benefits (notably observation skill development), wanting ABE at least 1x/semester, and being most likely to participate in ABE when embedded in coursework.

Key Words:

Arts-Based Education (ABE), Occupational Therapy Education, Observation

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