Group Interventions in Occupational Therapy (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Objective

The student understands the theoretical principles group activity, and knows how to apply them into occupational therapy. The student understands possibilities of creative, purposeful and meaningful activities in group interventions. The student knows how to explain when therapeutic group is recommended. The student knows how to plan group process, and the individual occupation-based group sessions in a goal-oriented way using creative activities. The student knows how to lead a therapeutic group and how to operate in a group in different roles. The student recognises the group as a whole and knows how to evaluate the participation and functioning and social interaction skills of the group members.

Content

The theoretical foundations of group activity in occupational therapy, planning of the group, setting the goals, analysis and choice of activity, leading the group , tasks of the group's leader, evaluation of the group and its members, using creative and other activities, reflection on the student's own professional development

Materials

Cole, M. 2018. Group dynamics in occupational therapy: the theoretical basis and practice application of group interventions. e-kirja

Parkinson, Sue, 2017. Recovery through activity; increasing participation in everyday life. e-kirja

Teaching methods

Lectures, assignments, groupwork, contact lessons, planning, leading and reflecting group sessions. Attendance to contact sessions is demanded. The course is best suitable for face-to face learners.

Employer connections

As a part of this course, leading a group is established mainly as co-operation with working life.

Exam schedules

The 1th completion at March the15th
The 2th completion at April the 6th
The 3.th completion at May the 3th

Completion alternatives

You can lead a group organized by Jamk or yourself, on your workplace, during your parctical period or leading TOIVO-group.

Student workload

Lectures, groupwork and assignments 2 ects, contact lessons 1 ect, planning, leading and reflecting group sessions 2 ects. Student workload all together 135h, that is 5 ects.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

PASS
Theoretical competence related to occupational therapy group interventions:
Students know the theoretical principles related to supervising an occupational therapy group, such as building up a group, goal setting, leadership, group development, use of activities, observing, finishing the group process and documentation. Students show these competences in web based dialogue, webinar or in face to face dialogue sessions.
Group leadership competence:
Students are able to carry out a short group therapy intervention and to have good relationships with clients and other professionals. Students are able to evaluate their own roles in a group and to develop their leadership skills. Students can use evidence based information when planning, implementing and reflecting the group therapy process.
Competence for using creative/ occupation-based activities:
Students are eager to try several creative/occupation-based activities and are able to apply them into occupational therapy group interventions.
FAIL
The criteria are not fulfilled in one or more of the mentioned competence areas.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

PASS Students know the theoretical principles related to supervising an occupational therapy group, such as building up a group, goal setting, leadership, group development, use of activities, observing, finishing the group process and documentation. Students are able to carry out a short group therapy intervention and to have good relationships with clients and other professionals. Students are able to evaluate their own roles in a group and to develop their leadership skills. Students can use evidence based information when planning, implementing and reflecting the group therapy process. Students are eager to try several creative/occupation-based activities and are able to apply them into occupational therapy group interventions.

Qualifications

The student is familiar with the principles of leading a group and he/she has participated to a closed group intervention as a member. The student is familiar with the basic concepts and fundamental values of occupational therapy. The student is familiar with the work of an occupational therapist.

Further information

Formal assessment is used during this course to support learning. Peer assessment and self assessment is used during contact lessons and about leading a group. The teacher will give you written feedback about final assignment.