Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Educators’ Perceptions of OT Student Rapport-Building Abilities During Level II Fieldwork

Background: The aim of this study was to inform Occupational Therapy (OT) practice and future OT educational content through identification of rapport- building components. Fieldwork educators are uniquely positioned to assess OT students’ abilities and readiness for client rapport building during fieldwork. Methods: A descriptive survey of 55 fieldwork educators (FWEs) investigated skills that FWEs consider necessary for OT students to build client rapport at a Level II fieldwork experience. A Qualtrics survey assessed FWEs’ perceptions of OT student rapport- building readiness components at the beginning of Level II fieldwork. Results: Data from 55 responses revealed that 91.52% of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed that OT Level II students’ communication and professional skills were important for effective rapport building, Likewise, 86.67% strongly or somewhat agreed to the importance of listening skills and cultural humility. Results highlight the importance of rapport-building skills in the OT curriculum. Conclusion: While FWEs agree that these skills are important for Level II student readiness, further research could identify didactic components to enhance rapport- building skills in the classroom. The survey outcomes demonstrate the significance of interpersonal skills, professionalism, and the ability to foster relationships in developing client rapport during Level II student fieldwork.