Narratives of occupational therapy students from the Philippines on virtual internship

Gwyneth Comia; Jan Ericka Manalo; Hanna Patricia Areglado; Zaira Claudine Rivera; Rod Charlie Delos Reyes

doi:10.1921/jpts.v19i3.1884

Authors

Gwyneth Comia Occupational Therapy Student, College of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Batangas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3515-8145
Jan Ericka Manalo Occupational Therapy Student, College of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Batangas https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9047-2690
Hanna Patricia Areglado Occupational Therapy Student, College of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Batangas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2587-8832
Zaira Claudine Rivera Occupational Therapy Instructor, College of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Batangas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4046-3523
Rod Charlie Delos Reyes Occupational Therapy Instructor, College of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Batangas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0305-3960

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts.v19i3.1884

Keywords:

online internship, qualitative, occupational therapy, Philippines, virtual internship

Abstract

Virtual internships became an alternative work-based learning for the continuity of education affected by the pandemic. This transition made an impact on the internship experience of Filipino students, particularly the occupational therapy students in delivering services. Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered profession that focuses on the therapeutic use of activities in treating impairments that hinder an individual’s occupational participation. This study aims to explore experiences of OT interns from CALABARZON, a region in the Philippines during virtual internships. A phenomenological study approach was utilized. Six (6) OT interns from different universities in CALABARZON participated in a focus group discussion via ZOOM video conferencing platform. Data collected were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: (1) preparation to virtual internship through bridging programs; (2) positive experiences, attitudes, and practices in virtual internship; (3) perceived advantages and disadvantages of virtual internship; (4) challenges and additional demands in virtual internship; and (5) preview of real occupational therapy through virtual internship.

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