Vanessa Lam
24 December 2014: For the first time, University of Canberra Master of Occupational Therapy students have been able to complete part of their educational placement in remote locations working with occupational therapists in towns to provide services to the local community.
| |
|
Student Georgina Salke-Spurr spent seven weeks in Geraldton, Western Australia working with a paediatric caseload at the Geraldton Regional Hospital. She was able to complete her assessments and therapy sessions at both the hospital and local schools.
"I planned and implemented fine-motor development skill group sessions in writing and cutting at local kindergartens to help children who haven't been previously exposed to these activities. These skills can enable children to take part in classroom activities once they begin primary school," Ms Salke-Spurr said.
As part of her placement, and together with other students, she also planned and implemented a pilot version of the Alert Program. This program aims to help children identify when they are alert and ready enough to be able to complete everyday occupations at home and at school.
Ms Salke-Spurr had previously completed placements at The Falls Prevention and Injury Service and Therapy ACT, in Canberra. She said working in a rural community made her realise how fortunate people in Canberra are when having access to services and resources that some people don't because of geographical and socio-economic reasons.
"The therapists working in this community need to be flexible and resourceful in the ways that services are provided," Ms Salke-Spurr said.
She said she also enjoyed her placement due to the opportunity to travel and to experience the relaxed lifestyle of Geraldton.
Another student, Carmen See Toh completed her eight-week placement in Burnie, Tasmania where she worked with paediatric outpatients. Her work included helping children with occupational problems regarding self-care activities such as sleeping, eating and dressing, and productivity undertakings such as school and leisure activities.
"We came up with solutions and programs for the parents to work on, so their child could participate in their daily occupations. I also went on school visits to let the teachers know what we'd been doing and how they could incorporate it in their classroom," she said.
Ms See Toh, who had previously completed a two-week placement in Hand Therapy at the Canberra Hospital, said it was good to be able to experience a different place.
"I was able to explore and participate in all of the different occupational therapy departments as the hospital was a lot smaller. Being in a regional area also meant that I was exposed to different types of people and issues I probably wouldn't see in a city area," she said.
