Abstract
In this pretest–posttest pilot study, OT students’ knowledge of and involvement in political processes was assessed using the Political Astuteness Inventory (PAI) before and after an educational session on health policy. The results of the study support using education to improve political astuteness and that the PAI can be used as an outcome measure for programs designed to improve this skill.
Primary Author and Speaker: Luis Arabit
Additional Authors and Speakers: Gina Frassetto, Brandon Fukuda, and Candice Garrett
Contributing Authors: Matthew Horwinski, Jenna Roxanne
The profession of occupational therapy has low levels of political involvement, which may be related to a lack of sufficient education in this area. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an educational session on the self-perceived level of political astuteness among first-year occupational therapy students. A single pretest-posttest design was administered, using a sample of 18 first-year occupational therapy graduate students in Occupational Therapy Department at San José State University. Participants completed the Political Astuteness Inventory (PAI) before and after a learning module on health policy and legislative process. The PAI scores increased significantly after an educational module, particularly in the areas of awareness about health policy issues, knowledge of the legislative and policy process, and knowledge of legislators. The study results supported the hypothesis that political astuteness would improve after an educational intervention; however, the extent to which this knowledge will be retained is unclear. To increase political astuteness and political involvement in occupational therapy, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education can refine their standards for program requirements in advocacy to include specific learning objectives and skills which demonstrate competence. Educational institutions can use the PAI as a guide to develop curricula according to program requirements.
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