Helping Hands for Healthy Living: A Collaborative Service Learning Project with Occupational and Physical Therapy Students |
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| Authors: | Sharon Flinn Anne Kloos Margaret Teaford Katie Clark Kim Szucs |
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| Institution: | 1. Division of Occupational Therapy, Ohio State University, 406 Atwell Hall, 453 W. 10th, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA;2. Division of Physical Therapy, Ohio State University, 516 Atwell Hall, 453 W. 10th, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA;3. Physicians Free Clinic, 240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, USA;4. Health and Rehabilitation Doctoral Program, Ohio State University, 406 Atwell Hall, 453 W. 10th, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA |
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| Abstract: | The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a unique interdisciplinary service-learning course and to evaluate the impact of this experience on allied health students' professional development. One hundred and twenty-seven students from occupational and physical therapy programs served medically uninsured individuals (n = 170) at a community health clinic through provision of direct patient care services, depression screens, and a health promotion program. Surveys and personal reflections were used to measure the outcome of the course. The results indicated that student cognitive skills, ability to work with diverse populations, social responsibility, beliefs and opinions about service learning, and appreciation of each other's discipline were enhanced by their participation in the class. |
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| Keywords: | Allied health interdisciplinary teaching service learning community health promotion |
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