Exploring the Impact of Service Learning on Interprofessional Collaborative Practices of Occupational Therapists

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that students in healthcare related disciplines, who experience service learning, gain professional skills necessary for their career (Flinn, Kloos, Teaford, Clark, & Szucs, 2009; Holsapple, 2012; Seif et al., 2014). Research connecting service learning and career outcomes has primarily focused on short term perception of service learning benefit. Service learning may have a long lasting impact on career outcomes, especially for Occupational Therapists practicing in interdisciplinary healthcare teams. While previous research has suggested that service learning increases professional skills, little research has addressed the long lasting impact of service learning on interprofessional collaborative practice in healthcare teams. We aim to examine the impact of service learning on interprofessional collaborative practice (using the AITCS) (Orchard, King, Khalili, & Bezzina, 2012) in a sample of 379 licensed Occupational Therapists from the general population. Results indicate that service learning does have an impact on interprofessional collaborative practice, specifically related to core principles of team-based healthcare. Findings from this study suggest service learning could be an effective tool for interprofessional education, especially in the healthcare field.