In accordance with the Minimum Standards for Practice Education in Ireland document, produced by the Association of Occupational Therapists Ireland (AOTI) (2007), MSc students in the Occupational Therapy programme are required to complete a minimum of 1000 hours of practice education placements to a satisfactory level of competence. And each student must have a mixture of physical and psychosocial placements. Practice Education 1 is a four week foundational learning placement which introduces students to occupational therapy.

Students will complete a practice placement for 4 weeks of the semester up to 148 hours. Acquisition of practice knowledge relevant to the practice setting; The ability to demonstrate basic clinical reasoning skills; the occupational therapy therapeutic process with the specific client group. effective communication and personal management skills and to develop these core skills within his/her practice.

To demonstrate an understanding of practice knowledge within a therapeutic setting. To consider professional practice and the occupational therapy process as a medium for facilitating change with a range of individual clients and groups. To demonstrate an understanding of occupation in relation to the factors that influence clients' occupational performance and roles. To collate information relevant to a specific client to inform the occupational therapy intervention process.

To demonstrate a respectful attitude when communicating with clients and team members. To display an understanding of the unique contribution of each member of the multi-disciplinary team. To develop personal communication skills, professional interactions and self- responsibility within the practice setting.

To perform a range of occupational therapy skills in a safe and effective manner with guidance.

TEACHING The student will engage in experiential learning within a specified health or social care setting under the supervision of a named practice educator who will be a fully qualified occupational therapist. Additional support will also to be provided by staff within the University of Limerick. Self directed study. LEARNING Student learning will be structured using The Competency Based Fieldwork Evaluation for Occupational Therapists (CBFE-OT) and the student will be assessed and graded on seven competency areas for practice. This includes the acquisition of practice knowledge relevant to the practice setting, the ability to demonstrate basic clinical reasoning skills and to show an understanding of the occupational therapy therapeutic process with the specific client group. Also, the student will be required to demonstrate an awareness of the importance of effective communication and personal management skills and to develop these core skills within his/her practice. ASSESSMENT Assessment Method Assessment Weighting The Competency Based Fieldwork Evaluation for 100% Occupational Therapists (CBFE-OT)