A Brave New World Formulating the Future
Tuesday
Stream C
Session 4 1145
Stream D
Session 5 1545
Elaine Brichard M&H Specialist OT BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, PGCE
Role play – another teaching tool?
Biography
Elaine has a BSc (Hons) in OT and completed her Post Graduate Back Care Advisor course and
PGCE at Southampton University. Since 2004, she has worked as M&H Specialist OT for Adult and
Children’s services. She has had two articles published in column and sat on legal panel at DLF
conference.
Abstract
I The purpose of this small-scale study was to determine whether role-play would improve the
learning experience for a group of approximately 120 occupational therapy staff employed by a local
authority. Students attended in groups of 9 and were further divided into groups of 3 to undertake
role-play, however this was changed to groups of 2 as it was observed this worked better.
Quantitative data was collected using a 5 point Likhert Scale and compared with data collected from
the previous course where case studies only were used. Qualitative data was collected and sorted
firstly into negative and positive comments and then further using thematic analysis. It was found
that the scores overall improved with role-play with a percentage rating increase of 6.96% and the
mean sore increasing by 0.34. Four themes emerged from negative comments with students stating
they disliked role-play and preferred discussion groups. Five themes emerged from positive
comments, including discussion opportunities and consideration of own practice. Overall the learning
experience was considered to be helpful and enjoyable although it was identified that greater support
was required by a few of the students.
Learning Objectives
•
To critically evaluate usefulness of using role-play in M&H training