Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Rebecca Barton, 1400 East Hanna
Avenue, Martin Hall, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA. Tel.: +1 317 788 3511; Fax:
+1 317 788 3542; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if
occupational therapy fieldwork educators are experiencing role strain. PARTICIPANTS: Were recruited from a convenience sample of a
university database of 315 fieldwork sites. METHODS: The Role Strain in Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators
Inventory was used to gather qualitative and quantitative data about practice.
RESULTS: The overall mean for role strain was 2.34/5 with a 73%
return rate. The majority of participants fell into the moderate to low role
strain category. Individuals with 5–10 years of practice had the greatest
amount of role strain (2.43, SD 0.51, n=60). Participants working in pediatric
settings had role strain in the moderate range. CONCLUSIONS: Nine items emerged with the highest amount of role
strain, such as coping with job expectations and inadequate time to meet role
expectations. Creation of strategies to reduce role strain should be a priority
in our changing healthcare environment.
